A recent report released by a Spanish migration rights group revealed a staggering statistic - more than 10,000 migrants lost their lives while attempting to reach Spain by sea in 2024. The organization, Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders), disclosed that an average of 30 migrants per day tragically perished in their pursuit of a better life in Spain via dangerous sea crossings. This figure represents a 58% increase in overall deaths compared to the previous year.
The report highlighted that tens of thousands of migrants from West Africa embarked on perilous journeys to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago situated near the African coast, which has increasingly served as a gateway to continental Europe. Most of the recorded deaths, totaling 10,457 by December 15th, occurred along the treacherous Atlantic route, renowned as one of the world's most hazardous migration paths.
Tragically, the deceased included 1,538 children and 421 women, underscoring the vulnerability of migrants undertaking these risky voyages. The report identified April and May as the deadliest months for migrant crossings. Additionally, there was a notable surge in boats departing from Mauritania in 2024, making it the primary launch point for journeys to the Canary Islands.
In response to the escalating crisis, Spain pledged 210 million euros (approximately $218 million) in aid to Mauritania to combat human smugglers and prevent further migrant departures. Despite these efforts, Spain's interior ministry reported that over 57,700 migrants arrived in the country by boat by mid-December, marking a 12% increase from the same period in the previous year. The vast majority of these arrivals occurred via the perilous Atlantic route.
These harrowing statistics underscore the urgent need for international cooperation and comprehensive strategies to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean region. The plight of migrants risking their lives in search of safety and opportunity demands a concerted effort to enhance rescue operations, combat human trafficking, and provide sustainable solutions to alleviate the root causes of migration.
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