In a tragic incident off the southeastern coast of Spain, the bodies of four women believed to be migrants from North Africa, were discovered on a rubber dinghy. Coastguards spotted the boat early Friday morning, and marine rescue services towed it ashore. The Spanish authorities are conducting autopsies to determine the cause of death. No other individuals were found on board the boat.
The discovery comes amidst a notable increase in migration to Spain, particularly to the Canary Islands. According to figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry, 15,351 migrants arrived in Spain via various routes in the first three months of the year, marking a significant rise compared to the same period last year.
The Canary Islands, situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, have become a primary destination for migrants. The UN Refugee Agency, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reported a substantial increase in island arrivals, up 246 percent compared to last year. The surge in arrivals has prompted concerns about the islands’ capacity to accommodate the influx, with comparisons drawn to the situation in Lampedusa last summer.
Efforts to manage the situation have included the opening of new reception centers and facilities to accommodate unaccompanied minors. However, challenges persist, and regional politicians have called for support from Spain’s central government and the EU.
As Spain grapples with the complexities of migration management, the tragic discovery off its coast serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of the ongoing crisis.