Spain’s maritime rescue service reported on Tuesday that they successfully rescued a boat near the island of Gran Canaria, carrying a group of 84 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Tragically, one life was lost during the perilous journey. The incident highlights the ongoing and significant challenge of illegal immigration by sea, with many individuals risking their lives in search of better opportunities and living conditions in Spain.
The Canary Islands, situated off the coast of West Africa, have emerged as the primary destination for migrants attempting to reach Spain, while a smaller group also endeavors to cross the Mediterranean Sea to the Spanish mainland. Notably, the summer season witnesses the highest volume of these daring crossings, as migrants seize the opportunity to embark on their journeys during this period. The increasing migration towards the Canary Islands and the Spanish mainland underscores the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and the risks individuals are willing to undertake in pursuit of better prospects and living conditions.
TV footage depicted emergency services aiding migrants as they disembarked, providing blankets and wheelchairs for some, with one person requiring a stretcher.
With the exception of one woman, all eight migrants were male and subsequently taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
The boat was found approximately 8.5 nautical miles (15.7 km) away from Gran Canaria island, and the migrants were subsequently conveyed to Arguineguin port at approximately 5 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).
The Atlantic migration route, known as one of the most treacherous in the world, is commonly utilized by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa as they strive to reach Europe.
According to Spanish government data, a total of 5,914 individuals arrived in the Canary Islands between January and mid-July this year, indicating a notable 31.5% decrease compared to the corresponding period last year. However, it is noteworthy that around 41% of these arrivals occurred within a single month, specifically between May 15 and June 15. This concentration of migration during that one-month span emphasizes the dynamic and fluctuating nature of migration patterns in the region.