Migrant boat sinks off Senegal, leaving 34 dead

At least 34 individuals lost their lives when a vessel carrying migrants capsized off the coast of northwestern Senegal, according to the Senegalese Press Agency. The perilous Atlantic crossing from Senegal to Spain's Canary Islands has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. The Senegalese Ministry of the Interior initially reported only one rescue and 21 fatalities, though they later clarified that the death toll was provisional and ongoing search operations were underway. The incident took place near Kebemer, roughly 180 kilometers north of Senegal's capital, Dakar.

In response to the tragedy, Senegalese authorities vowed to combat people smuggling networks, emphasizing strengthened cooperation with neighboring nations. On Friday, authorities intercepted a similar boat carrying 142 migrants from various West African countries, heading towards Spanish territory. El Hierro Island in the Canary Islands declared a state of emergency on Saturday following a significant surge in migrant arrivals.

Over 3,300 people have arrived on around 30 boats since the beginning of the month, according to El Hierro officials.

Alpidio Armas, head of the El Hierro regional council, expressed deep concern over the sharp increase in arrivals, leading to the declaration of emergency measures to ensure cooperation with higher-level institutions. The hospital on the island has become unsuitable for handling the influx, Armas noted. Migrant arrivals reached a record high of 46,000 in 2024 but have since fallen sharply due to enhanced surveillance and collaboration with African nations.