At least 21 killed after migrant boat sinks off Senegal

At least 21 individuals lost their lives when a small boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of northwestern Senegal, according to Senegalese authorities. The tragedy occurred near Kebemer, roughly 180 kilometers north of the capital, Dakar. Only one person was rescued from the sinking vessel, while 21 bodies were recovered. The official toll remains provisional, as search operations are ongoing.

Senegal's Interior Ministry has vowed to combat people smuggling networks, emphasizing the importance of enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries. On Friday, authorities intercepted 142 migrants on another boat heading towards Spanish territory, comprising nationals from various West African nations.

The surge in migrant arrivals has raised concerns in the Canary Islands, where El Hierro Island declared an emergency on Saturday. Over 3,300 people have arrived on around 30 boats since the beginning of the month, according to officials on the island. Alpidio Armas, head of the El Hierro regional council, expressed deep concern over the sharp increase in arrivals, stating that conditions in the island's hospital have become undesirable.

The Canary Islands have witnessed a record high of 46,000 migrant arrivals in 2024, followed by a sharp decline due to intensified surveillance and collaboration with African nations.