A tragic incident unfolded as a migrant boat overturned near the Cape Verde peninsula in West Africa’s Senegal, raising concerns that more than 60 migrants may have died. A total of 38 individuals, including children, were fortunately rescued from the incident. Footage displayed survivors being assisted ashore, some on stretchers, on the island of Sal.
An official from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that four children, aged between 12 and 16, were among the survivors. The health conditions of the survivors were gradually improving, with a focus on rehydration and tests for diseases like malaria. Health Minister emphasized the need for international cooperation to address migration issues. The minister called for support to prevent further loss of lives at sea.
The majority of those on the ill-fated boat are believed to be from Senegal. In an effort to prevent further migrant fatalities, Cape Verde officials have called for global action. Initial reports suggested that the boat had sunk. However, it was found drifting by a Spanish fishing boat some 320 kilometers (200 miles) off Sal. The fishing boat immediately contacted the authorities upon making the discovery.
Survivors say that the boat sailed from the Senegalese fishing community of Fasse Boye on July 10, carrying 101 individuals. Most of the passengers hailed from the same community. Local families are anxiously awaiting information about their relatives who may have been among the survivors. The Senegalese foreign ministry is coordinating with Cape Verdean authorities to facilitate the repatriation of its citizens.
IOM spokesperson Safa Msehli highlighted the lack of safe migration pathways, which creates opportunities for smugglers and traffickers to exploit desperate individuals.
Persistent Challenges and Risks
Although precise figures are challenging to ascertain in irregular migration cases, approximately 67,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands between 2020 and 2023, with over 2,500 recorded deaths during that period, as reported by the IOM.
Despite the perilous journey, individuals continue to risk their lives and those of their families to seek a better future in Europe. Factors such as poverty, instability, and political turmoil drive many to undertake this dangerous journey.
