A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Spain’s Canary Islands when a migrant boat capsized just as it neared shore, resulting in the drowning of four women and three girls, according to local authorities. The chaotic rescue scene at El Hierro’s port saw survivors desperately gripping ropes and life jackets that rescuers had thrown to them. The Spanish maritime rescue service reported that the boat overturned on Wednesday as young people were being transferred to a rescue craft positioned nearby. This shift in weight caused the vessel to capsize.
Local reports indicated that the small boat was severely overcrowded, carrying over 100 individuals. In a further tragic twist, a helicopter was dispatched to airlift two other children, a girl and a boy, to hospital in serious condition after they nearly drowned.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his sorrow over the incident on social media, stating that the loss of life in pursuit of a better future should be a poignant reminder for all. The Canary Islands, situated off the northwest coast of Africa, have long been a perilous entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with many risking their lives on inadequate boats. This journey is fraught with danger, and countless lives have been lost along the way.
In recent years, the archipelago has experienced a surge in migrant crossings. Nearly 47,000 individuals made this perilous journey last year, marking a record high. Most of these migrants hailed from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, commonly boarding boats from the coast of Mauritania. Of those arriving, thousands were unaccompanied minors. As of mid-May this year, around 10,800 people had arrived via this dangerous route to the Canary Islands, representing a 34 per cent decrease compared to the same timeframe last year.
The recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for solutions to address the challenges faced by those fleeing hardship and seeking asylum in Europe.