Two bodies were tragically discovered in a migrant boat en route from West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands, with survivors revealing that five others had perished during the perilous journey. The boat, carrying a total of 38 individuals, had set sail from Nouakchott, Mauritania, ten days prior.
A merchant vessel spotted the distressed migrants drifting 76 nautical miles south of Gran Canaria on Monday evening. Upon rescue, it was revealed that twelve survivors required immediate medical attention, with four in critical condition. The survivors, hailing from Mauritania, Mali, and Ivory Coast, included seven women.
According to the survivors, the five deceased individuals had succumbed during the voyage and were laid to rest at sea. This tragic incident sheds light on the dangers faced by migrants fleeing poverty, conflict, and instability in West Africa, seeking refuge in the Canary Islands as a gateway to Europe.
The European Union recently announced a migration partnership with Mauritania, allocating 210 million euros to combat smugglers and prevent further departures. The surge in arrivals has been significant, with nearly 12,000 people reaching the Canaries in the first two months of this year, a stark increase from the previous year.
Most migrants embark on the journey from Mauritania in small fishing boats called pirogues, braving strong winds and Atlantic currents for days. While many have survived the treacherous passage, numerous lives are lost or unaccounted for, with occasional grim discoveries on distant shores.
Recent incidents, such as the two pirogues found adrift near Cape Verde, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in their quest for a better life. Despite the risks, the allure of a new beginning drives many to undertake these perilous voyages, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration.
For more updates on migration issues, visit AP's coverage of migration issues.
