A heartbreaking incident has left up to 50 migrants dead, including 44 Pakistanis, as a boat carrying people from West Africa to Spain tragically sank. The boat departed from Mauritania on January 2, carrying 86 migrants, including 66 from Pakistan. Sadly, only 36 survivors were rescued by Moroccan authorities on Wednesday.
This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants seeking a better life in Europe. The boat, missing for several days, raised alarm among migrant rights groups, including Walking Borders, based in Madrid and Navarra. Six days before the rescue, Walking Borders informed authorities in the involved countries about the boat’s disappearance. Despite their efforts, help arrived too late for many onboard.
Another organization, Alarm Phone, which assists migrants lost at sea, also reached out to Spain’s maritime rescue service on January 12. However, no updates about the missing boat were available at that time.
The Atlantic migration route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has become one of the deadliest paths for migrants. In 2024 alone, over 10,457 migrants, approximately 30 per day, lost their lives attempting this journey. These alarming numbers highlight the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further tragedies.
The Canary Islands, a common destination for migrants, have become a focal point of this crisis. The boat’s passengers endured a harrowing 13-day ordeal, filled with suffering and anguish, with no timely rescue. Helena Maleno, the CEO of Walking Borders, described the journey as a tragic example of the dangers faced by migrants desperate for a better future.
Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. He called for immediate action from Spain and Europe, urging leaders to address the growing humanitarian crisis. He stressed that the Atlantic Ocean should not continue to be a graveyard for migrants attempting the perilous crossing.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those fleeing hardship and seeking safety or better opportunities. It also underscores the pressing need for global efforts to ensure safer migration pathways and prevent such heartbreaking losses of life.
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