At least 34 migrants dead as boat sinks off Senegal coast

At least 34 people lost their lives when a small wooden boat carrying migrants sank off Senegal’s coast, according to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS). The maritime disaster underscores the growing human toll in West Africa’s sea lanes to Europe. Rescue teams continue to search the waters for possible survivors, with one person found alive as of Saturday evening.

However, the number of passengers on board and those still missing remains unknown. According to Saliou Diouf, founder of Senegalese migrant aid group Boza Fii, all recovered bodies were Senegalese nationals, while nationalities of other passengers are still being determined. The incident occurred near Kébémer, north of Dakar, as the vessel headed towards Spain’s Canary Islands.

Senegal's interior minister plans to visit the site on Monday to inspect the recovery area. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged to combat human trafficking networks while creating employment opportunities for young people. Senegal's authorities have also intercepted another boat carrying 142 migrants on Friday, including nationals from several African countries.

The Atlantic migration route remains one of the world's deadliest, with over 635 people dying in the first five months of 2026 alone.