A record number of migrants, at least 46,843, reached Spain’s Canary Islands via the perilous Atlantic migration route in 2024, Al Jazeera reports, citing the Spanish Interior Ministry.
This surge occurred despite a significant overall decrease in irregular crossings into the European Union.
The ministry reported that Spain received 63,970 migrants via irregular routes in 2024, a jump from 56,852 the previous year. The vast majority of these arrivals landed on the Canary Islands, highlighting the intense pressure on this specific maritime corridor.
While Frontex, the EU border agency, noted a 40% overall decline in irregular crossings into the bloc between January and November 2024, the Atlantic route saw a 19% increase. The agency identified migrants from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco as being among those attempting the treacherous journey.
Years of instability in the Sahel region, fueled by conflict, high unemployment, and the impact of climate change on agriculture, are cited as primary drivers for this migration. The Atlantic route, which originates from various West African countries including Senegal, The Gambia, Mauritania and Morocco, is considered the world’s deadliest migration path.
The dangers of this route were brutally underscored last week when a boat carrying migrants from West Africa to the Canary Islands capsized off the coast of Morocco, killing at least 69 people, including 25 Malians.
A report by the NGO Caminando Fronteras documented the horrific human cost of the journey, revealing that at least 10,457 migrants died or disappeared attempting to reach Spain by sea between January 1 and December 5, 2024. This figure represents a 50% increase from 2023 and is the highest toll since the NGO began keeping records in 2007. They attribute the rising death toll to the use of unseaworthy vessels, dangerous sea conditions, and insufficient resources for rescue operations.
Migrant aid group Walking Borders echoed these concerns, directly accusing European governments of prioritizing border control over the preservation of life. They argue that a lack of proactive rescue efforts, arbitrary rescue decisions, and the criminalization of migrants are significant factors contributing to the escalating number of deaths at sea.
