In the first half of the year, the number of people arriving in the Canary Islands via this route has practically tripled, compared to the same period in 2023. Last year, 1,950 people died on this route.
At least 165 migrants are still missing after their boat was shipwrecked off the coast of the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott on Monday, killing at least 25 passengers.
This was stated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) about 300 migrants were traveling on the damaged ship, which He planned to reach the Spanish Canary Islandsin the Atlantic Ocean, and that 120 survivors were rescued by Mauritanian authorities.
Although Mauritanian authorities have increased the number of people killed in the shipwreck to 25, the IOM reports only 15 deaths. Mauritanian security sources told EFE that a total of 140 people were on the boat, which left the coast of Gambia. Of them, 25 died, 103 were rescued and 12 are still missing.
In a statement from its office in Nouakchott, the IOM explained that the migrants involved They spent seven days at sea before the boat capsized. in the Atlantic waters off the Mauritanian capital.
He added that among the survivors, ten people were evacuated to hospitals for medical attention, and four unaccompanied children were identified among the migrants who were rescued alive.
The IOM note adds that this “tragic event” takes place in the context of the increase in migration flows along the Western Atlantic route, where countless migrants undertake perilous journeys in search of better opportunities or to escape difficult situations in their countries of origin.
He adds that this year alone, from January 1 to July 15, 2024, over 19,700 migrants have arrived in India. Canary Islands who use this route, compared to the same period in 2023, when 7,590 migrants were registered, representing a 160% increase.
He indicates that the IOM project ‘Missing Migrants’ has registered more than Since 2014, there have been 4,500 deaths and disappearances on this routeincluding more than 1,950 deaths last year, the second deadliest year on record.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
