At least 69 migrants lost their lives when a boat traveling from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands capsized off the coast of Morocco on December 19, Malian authorities confirmed. The ill-fated vessel, carrying approximately 80 passengers, left only 11 survivors, according to a reconstruction of the incident by Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad.
Crisis Monitoring and Response
In response to the disaster, the Malian government has established a crisis unit to monitor developments and support affected families.
This incident underscores the increasing peril of the Atlantic migration route, a passage notorious for its treacherous conditions. Statistics reveal a sharp rise in migrants using this route in 2024, with 41,425 arrivals recorded from January to November—surpassing 2023’s total of 39,910.
Drivers of Migration
Key factors fueling this migration surge include prolonged conflict in the Sahel region, widespread unemployment, and the devastating effects of climate change on agricultural livelihoods. These challenges have forced thousands to embark on life-threatening journeys in search of better opportunities.
Rising Death Toll in 2024
The tragedy adds to the grim statistics associated with the Atlantic route. Walking Borders, a migrant aid organization, reported 9,757 migrant deaths at sea in 2024 while attempting to reach the Canary Islands. Across all routes to Spain, the total death toll has climbed to 10,457—an average of nearly 30 lives lost daily.
One of the deadliest departure points, Mauritania, accounted for 6,829 fatalities this year, particularly impacting migrants from the Sahel.
Call for Accountability
Walking Borders has criticized government policies for contributing to the alarming death toll. The organization accused authorities of prioritizing border control over the preservation of life, citing inadequate rescue operations and the criminalization of migrants as exacerbating factors.
Ongoing Challenges
This latest tragedy occurred just days before another death was reported among 300 migrants who arrived on six boats to El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands. The Red Cross confirmed the incident on December 27, further highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking refuge via the Atlantic route.
Efforts to address the root causes of migration and improve rescue operations remain critical to mitigating the humanitarian crisis along one of the world’s deadliest migration pathways.
