The Canary Islands have faced a rise in migrant arrivals, with over 800 people reaching its shores in the last 24 hours, according to Spanish maritime rescue services. These people arrived aboard 14 small boats known as cayucos, coming from countries like Senegal, Mali, Gambia, and Guinea. Among the rescued were women, children, and even infants, highlighting the risks families take in search of safety and opportunity.

One of the Deadliest Migration Routes

The Canary Islands route remains one of the most dangerous migration paths globally. Caminando Fronteras, an NGO monitoring migration, reports that over 10,000 people have died attempting to reach Spain in 2024. Most fatalities occurred along the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, with children making up over 1,500 of the victims.

Mauritania has become a primary departure point, and the journey often ends in tragedy due to treacherous sea conditions and limited resources on board. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) released vastly different estimates of 1,400 deaths this year but admits the actual numbers may be significantly higher due to unreported incidents.

Cayuco localizado esta mañana 11' al sureste de La Restinga.
Salvamar Adhara lo ha acompañado a puerto, donde han desembardado 67 personas (64 hombres y 3 mujeres) de origen subsahariano. pic.twitter.com/6WaLWmaY6L

— SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO (@salvamentogob) December 26, 2024

Calls for Urgent Action

Canary Islands’ officials, have urged national leaders to address the ongoing crisis. Over 45,000 irregular migrants arrived this year, including over 6,100 unaccompanied minors.

Efforts to provide aid continue, with rescue teams working tirelessly to bring migrants to safety. However, long-term solutions are needed to alleviate the strain on the islands and prevent further loss of life.

This human tragedy highlights the need for collaborative efforts to create safe, humane migration pathways and address the root causes of displacement.

Hoy, coordinado por nuestros centros #Tenerife y #LasPalmas hemos rescatado/remolcado/escoltado a puerto 7 cayucos.
Han intervenido:
El avión Sasemar 103.
El helimer 204.
Las guardamares Polimnia y Calíope.
Las salvamares Macondo, Acrux y Adhara.
+ Buques particulares. Gracias!!! pic.twitter.com/LifIhKM9YK

— SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO (@salvamentogob) December 25, 2024