Canary Islands Route Becomes Deadly Crossroads for Migrants: Over 5,000 Perish in First Half of 2024

A new report by Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras (Frontline Defenders) paints a grim picture for migrants attempting the perilous journey from North Africa to the Canary Islands, according to Anadolu Agency.

The report, released on Wednesday, reveals that over 5,000 migrants lost their lives on this route in the first five months of 2024 alone. This staggering number translates to a death toll of one migrant every 45 minutes, or 32 per day, highlighting the immense dangers faced by those undertaking these “journeys of hope” towards Europe.

The report emphasizes a disturbing trend.  While the Canary Islands route has become the most frequented path for irregular migrants in recent years, the fatality rate has reached unprecedented levels.  In all of 2023, Caminando Fronteras documented 6,007 deaths.  The fact that over 4,800 migrants died on the same route in just the first five months of 2024 suggests a significant acceleration in the loss of life.

Caminando Fronteras points to harsh weather conditions in January and February as contributing factors, with 1,997 and 1,090 deaths recorded during those months, respectively.  However, the report also criticizes the lack of adequate search and rescue operations.  The NGO documented 47 shipwrecks on the route during this period, with none of them having survivors.  Caminando Fronteras argues that insufficient search and rescue efforts are contributing to the high death toll.

The data for the report was gathered through interviews with migrants and their families.  This raises concerns about the accuracy of official figures, as Caminando Fronteras points out that the Spanish Ministry of the Interior and the UN often classify these deaths as “missing or unknown.” The NGO urges authorities to address the lack of search and rescue efforts and calls for a more comprehensive accounting of migrant fatalities on this dangerous route.