Spanish maritime rescue services reported on Monday that seven migrants died during a crossing toward the Canary Islands. Two bodies were found aboard the inflatable boat, while survivors said five others had died during the journey and had been thrown into the sea.
A Spanish vessel rescued the boat at around 6:30 a.m. with 132 people on board, including 120 men and 12 women. The craft was later taken to the port of Arrecife on Lanzarote.
Canary Islands regional president Fernando Clavijo said the deaths showed that the Atlantic route continued to claim lives off Lanzarote. He called for greater measures, resources and preparation from the Spanish government in response to what he described as a humanitarian tragedy.
Maritime rescue services also assisted another improvised boat carrying 59 people around the same time. During the night from Sunday to Monday, a third boat carrying 107 people from sub-Saharan Africa, including three minors, was rescued and taken with all its occupants to El Hierro.
The Canary Islands are one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict and persecution. The crossing from West Africa is particularly dangerous because of strong currents and the fragile, overcrowded boats commonly used for the journey.
Irregular arrivals to the archipelago have declined after reaching more than 46,000 in 2024. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, 8,970 irregular migrants arrived by sea between January 1 and October 15, a 33.5% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year.
Sources: Le Monde International.