Spain’s maritime rescue service reported saving 914 migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands between Friday and Sunday. This brings the total number of arrivals since Christmas Day to over 2,000, according to Cadena Ser.
The majority of those rescued were men of sub-Saharan origin, with some women and children also among the passengers. These perilous journeys highlight the ongoing migration crisis, with the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands being one of the deadliest migration paths in the world.
According to Caminando Fronteras, a migrant advocacy organization, at least 10,400 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain by sea in 2024. This marks a staggering 58% increase in deaths compared to 2023, with an average of 30 fatalities reported daily.
The Atlantic route, heavily used by migrants departing from West Africa, accounted for most of these deaths. Mauritania, in particular, has seen a sharp increase in boat departures this year, becoming a primary launch point for the dangerous journey.
Caminando Fronteras reported that among the 10,457 recorded deaths up to December 15, 1,538 were children and 421 were women. The deadliest months were April and May, underscoring the immense risks migrants face during these crossings.
In response, Spain pledged €210 million in February to assist Mauritania in combating human smuggling and preventing dangerous boat journeys. Despite these efforts, Spain’s interior ministry recorded over 57,700 migrant arrivals by boat in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year.
The Canary Islands, often used as a stepping stone for asylum seekers aiming to reach mainland Spain and Europe, continue to face a significant influx of migrants. The challenges of addressing this crisis remain urgent as authorities work to save lives and manage the growing number of arrivals.