A migrant boat carrying around 80 people sank off the Moroccan coast on December 19, leaving 70 individuals missing, including 25 Malian nationals. Mali’s government confirmed the incident on Thursday, citing information from regional embassies, officials, victims’ families, and survivors.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by thousands of migrants who embark on perilous sea journeys each year in hopes of reaching Europe. Eleven survivors were rescued, nine of whom were from Mali.
The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains one of the deadliest migration paths, with strong ocean currents and vast distances compounding the risks. Many migrants travel in overcrowded and unsafe vessels, often navigating treacherous waters.
A report from Spanish migration NGO Caminando Fronteras revealed that over 10,400 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain in 2024, marking the deadliest year on record. The Canary Islands, located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) from North Africa at their closest point, are a frequent destination. However, smugglers often take longer, more dangerous routes to avoid detection, sometimes starting journeys up to 1,000 kilometers away.
Mali’s ongoing security crisis since 2012, fueled by attacks from terrorist groups, separatist movements, and criminal gangs, has forced many citizens to flee in search of safety and better opportunities.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 16,400 migrants have died attempting to cross from Africa to Europe since 2014, with a significant number of fatalities occurring on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.