Seven migrants die as boat capsizes near Canary Islands during rescue attempt

Spanish emergency services have reported a tragic incident in which four women and three girls lost their lives when a small boat carrying migrants capsized while trying to reach port at one of Spain’s Canary Islands on Wednesday. The Spanish maritime rescue service discovered the boat about 6 miles from the shore and witnessed it tipping over as rescuers were in the process of removing minors upon its arrival at a dock on the island of El Hierro.

The movement of passengers on the overcrowded boat caused it to lose balance and eventually overturn, throwing its occupants into the water. Tragically, four women, a teenage girl, and two younger girls perished in the accident, with one of the girls being found by a rescue diver. Additionally, a helicopter was able to evacuate two more children, a girl, and a boy, to a local hospital in serious condition after they nearly drowned.

Reports from local media indicate that the small boat was packed with over 100 people, prompting Spanish rescuers and members of the Red Cross to intervene and pull individuals out of the water. The Canary Islands, located off Africa’s western coast, have long been a primary route for migrants risking their lives on dinghies and rubber boats unfit for long journeys in the open sea. Tragically, thousands have lost their lives attempting to reach European territory through this perilous journey.

Last year, nearly 47,000 people successfully made the crossing to the archipelago, setting a new record for the second time. The majority of these migrants hailed from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, with many departing from the coast of Mauritania en route to Spain. The arrivals also included a significant number of unaccompanied minors, highlighting the vulnerable nature of those making the dangerous journey.

Despite a slight decrease in arrivals compared to the previous year, with around 10,800 individuals reaching the Canary Islands via the Atlantic by mid-May, the ongoing challenges and risks faced by migrants seeking a better life in Europe remain a pressing concern. The need for comprehensive and humane solutions to address the root causes of migration and provide safe pathways for those in need of protection is more critical than ever.