Dozens killed after migrant boat sinks off Senegal

At least 34 people perished when a small boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of northwestern Senegal, according to Senegalese authorities. Thousands have lost their lives in recent years attempting to cross the Atlantic from the Senegalese coast to Spain's Canary Islands. Initially, the Senegalese Ministry of the Interior claimed that one person was rescued and 21 bodies recovered, but later stated the death toll was provisional and rescue efforts were still underway.

The accident occurred near Kebemer, roughly 112 miles north of Dakar. The government vowed to fight people smuggling networks, including through collaboration with neighboring nations. On Friday, Senegalese authorities intercepted 142 migrants on another boat bound for Spain. The migrants on this boat hailed from various West African countries.

On Saturday, the Canary Islands' El Hierro Island declared a state of emergency following a surge in migrant arrivals. Over 3,300 people have landed on the island over the past month, with El Hierro's regional council head Alpidio Armas expressing deep concern over the sudden influx. He stated that hospital conditions have become undesirable and emphasized the need for cooperation with higher-level authorities.

Despite a record 46,000 migrant arrivals in 2024, the number has plummeted thanks to enhanced surveillance and cooperation with African nations.