A recent report by a Spanish migration rights organization paints a grim picture of the perils faced by migrants attempting to reach Spain by sea in 2024.
More than 10,000 migrants lost their lives this year while trying to reach Spain by boat, according to Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish migration advocacy group. The report reveals that an alarming average of 30 individuals perished daily on this hazardous journey, marking a 58% increase in deaths compared to the previous year.
The majority of these tragic incidents occurred along the Atlantic route, which is notorious for its danger. This pathway, leading from West Africa to the Spanish Canary Islands, was responsible for most of the 10,457 recorded fatalities up until December 15. The Atlantic route’s treacherous waters make it one of the deadliest migration paths worldwide.
Gathering data from both migrant families and official rescue statistics, Caminando Fronteras highlighted that 1,538 children and 421 women were among those who did not survive the journey. April and May emerged as particularly deadly months, showcasing the seasonality in migration patterns and risks.
Furthermore, the report pointed out a notable rise in boats departing from Mauritania, identifying it as the primary departure point for trips toward the Canary Islands in 2024. This uptick in departures from Mauritania coincides with Spain’s pledge earlier in the year to provide €210 million (about $218 million) to help combat human smuggling and prevent such perilous voyages.
Within the same timeframe, Spain’s interior ministry reported that over 57,700 migrants successfully arrived in Spain by boat, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. The vast majority of these migrants utilized the Atlantic route, underlining its significance amid ongoing migration challenges.
The stark statistics underscore the extreme risks migrants face on sea routes to Spain and emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation to tackle this humanitarian crisis.
Source: News4jax
