Thousands of migrants have been flocking the Canary Islands in Spain with a devastating 6000 people losing their lives trying to make the treacherous journey at sea.
The Spanish Ministry of Interior has reported a staggering 1,000 percent increase in the number of people attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands from West Africa by sea in January compared to the same month last year.
The archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean saw an unprecedented influx, with 7,270 individuals making the perilous journey between January 1 and January 31, marking a nearly 13-fold surge from the 566 arrivals in January 2023.
The Canary Islands, traditionally a popular tourist destination for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, have become a hotspot for migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Last year, a record-breaking 39,910 people reached the archipelago, with El Hierro, the smallest and westernmost island, even receiving more migrants than its own population of 9,000 in 2023.
Disturbingly, the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands has been identified as the deadliest migration route to Spain, as highlighted in an annual report by the rights group Walking Borders.
Shocking statistics reveal that 6,007 lives were lost during the treacherous sea voyage last year, underscoring the extreme risks faced by those undertaking the journey in overcrowded and often unseaworthy vessels.
The situation is reaching critical proportions, with the total number of people entering Spain through irregular means, both by land and sea, soaring to 8,067 in January alone.
This represents a staggering 524 percent increase compared to the same period last year, as per the Ministry of Interior.
The surge in migration to the Canary Islands is raising serious concerns about the capacity of local authorities to handle the influx and provide adequate humanitarian assistance.
The escalating crisis demands urgent international attention to address the root causes of migration, enhance search and rescue operations, and implement effective measures to prevent further loss of life at sea.
