Between Wednesday night on June 5 until the early hours of Thursday, June 6, a significant rescue operation unfolded off the coast of the Canary Islands. Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by African migrants attempting to reach Europe. Spain’s coast guard, Salvamento Maritimo (Spanish Coastguard), reported that over 460 African migrants were rescued from precarious boats drifting between the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro.

Details of the Rescue Operations

At around 11 PM on June 5, the coast guard rescued a boat drifting between Tenerife and La Gomera. The boat carried 44 people, including 39 men, 3 women, and 2 children, all hailing from sub-Saharan Africa. The rescue operation concluded around 5 AM on Thursday, with the rescued people transported to Los Cristianos.

Earlier Rescues

Hours before the fourth boat was rescued, three other vessels were intercepted by Salvamento Maritimo near the island of El Hierro.

• First Vessel: A merchant ship, Ramform Atlas, spotted this vessel with approximately 190 people on board, including a woman who had given birth during the eight-day journey. Rescuers from the Guardamar Urania found this boat around 9 PM and coordinated with the Guardamar Talía to assist another boat with 160 people.
• Second Vessel: This boat, found in close proximity to the first, had 160 migrants. The combined efforts of the Urania and Talía ensured the safe rescue of all aboard.
• Third Vessel: The most critical situation was reported by the Salvamar Adhara, which discovered a boat with 70 occupants. Survivors reported that 10 to 12 passengers had died during the 13-day journey from Nouakchott, Mauritania, and were thrown overboard. This vessel carried citizens of Ghana, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, and Mali, including three women. Eight people required medical evacuation to Tenerife, with one later succumbing to their injuries.

Increasing Migrant Arrivals in the Canary Islands

The increase in migrant arrivals has been particularly notable this year. As of June 3, the Ministry of the Interior reported a 260% increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands, with 17,117 migrants arriving in 2024 alone. This rise has significantly impacted the overall migrant arrivals in Spain, which have increased by 137% compared to the previous year.

Monthly Arrivals Breakdown

• January and February: 11,932 migrants
• March: 1,183 migrants
• April: Approximately 2,800 migrants
• May: 1,135 migrants

Despite a temporary slowdown, the recent influx highlights the persistent challenges faced by migrants and the critical need for effective humanitarian and policy responses.

A Humanitarian Crisis

The stories of those rescued underscore the severe conditions and dangers faced by migrants. The perilous journeys, often lasting over a week on makeshift boats, result in numerous casualties. The tragic accounts from the third vessel’s survivors, who lost fellow passengers to the sea, reflect the dire circumstances that drive these people to risk their lives in pursuit of safety and a better future.

Impact on Local Services

Emergency services in the Canary Islands have been stretched thin due to the increased arrivals. In less than 12 hours, more than 516 people were rescued, and seven people required immediate medical attention, with one fatality occurring at the hospital. The relentless efforts of Salvamento Maritimo and local healthcare providers are vital in managing this ongoing crisis.

Main image: X/@salvamentogob