At least 70 people are missing after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Morocco on December 19, according to the Malian government. Among the missing are 25 Malians, including several young individuals, who were part of the group attempting the dangerous journey to Spain.
The boat, carrying an estimated 80 people, capsized while navigating the perilous sea route, which has long been a route for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Eleven people were rescued, including nine Malians, the government stated. The rescue operation involved cooperation with local officials, embassies, and survivors who provided crucial details about the incident.
The tragedy underscores the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross from Africa to Europe, often in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats. Despite the inherent dangers, thousands of migrants continue to attempt these perilous sea crossings every year.
According to the Spanish migration organization Caminando Fronteras, over 10,400 migrants have lost their lives attempting to reach Spain in 2024 alone. This year marks the deadliest on record, with an average of approximately 30 deaths per day, a devastating statistic highlighting the human cost of migration across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The Canary Islands, a key destination for many migrants, are located about 100 kilometers from the coast of North Africa. The shortest route to the islands is from Morocco’s southern coast, yet smugglers often choose longer and more dangerous paths to evade border controls, venturing westward into the Atlantic before making a northward turn toward the Canaries.
The Atlantic route is especially treacherous, with many boats unable to survive the strong ocean currents. Some vessels set off from as far as 1,000 kilometers away from the Canaries, putting passengers at even greater risk.
Mali, which has been mired in political instability and security challenges since 2012, with attacks from armed groups, has seen many of its citizens forced to risk their lives on these deadly journeys in search of safety and a better future.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that since 2014, more than 16,400 migrants have died while attempting to reach Europe from Africa. This figure includes those making the hazardous journey to the Canary Islands.
As migration continues to drive people to risk everything for the hope of a better life, international organizations are urging stronger efforts to protect migrants and address the root causes that push them to undertake such dangerous voyages.