A tragic incident unfolded in Moroccan waters on December 19, when a vessel carrying migrants sank, leaving 70 people missing, including 25 Malians, according to a statement from Mali’s government on Thursday.
The boat, carrying around 80 migrants en route to Spain, encountered difficulties, resulting in only 11 survivors, nine of whom were from Mali. The government’s statement, informed by regional embassies, officials, victims’ families, and survivors, confirmed the devastating loss.
Thousands of migrants from Africa undertake dangerous sea crossings each year in the hope of reaching Europe. These journeys are often made in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats, making them perilous. Tragically, more than 10,400 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain in 2024 alone, according to the Spanish migration NGO Caminando Fronteras. This year has been the deadliest on record, with an average of 30 migrant deaths daily.
The Canary Islands, located just 100 kilometers off the North African coast at their closest point, are a frequent destination for migrants. Smugglers often take longer and riskier routes to evade authorities, navigating into the open Atlantic before turning north toward the islands. These routes are particularly hazardous due to strong ocean currents and the fragility of the makeshift vessels used.
Some boats even depart from beaches as far as 1,000 kilometers from the Canary Islands, further increasing the danger.
Mali has been struggling with a severe security crisis since 2012, marked by attacks from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, separatist movements, and criminal gangs. These challenges have driven many to flee in search of safety and better opportunities.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that since 2014, over 16,400 migrants have died attempting to cross from Africa to Europe, with a significant portion heading toward the Canary Islands.