The perilous crossing of migrants to the Canaries: a record number of passengers rescued
The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, have become one of the main entry points for illegal migrants into Europe. And recently, a significant event took place: a boat carrying nearly 300 migrants of sub-Saharan origin reached the coasts of the Canaries. This is the largest number of passengers ever to arrive on a single boat.
The journey of these migrants is particularly dangerous. The migration route to the Canaries has become a popular alternative due to the tightening of controls in the Mediterranean. But this crossing is not without dangers. Shipwrecks are frequent, and many lives have already been lost at sea. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), since the start of 2023, 140 migrants have lost their lives or disappeared during this crossing. The Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras estimates that 778 migrants lost their lives or disappeared during the first half of the year.
Faced with this critical situation, Spanish maritime rescue services are mobilizing to save migrants in distress. The 280 migrants who recently arrived in the Canaries were taken care of upon their arrival. However, this massive arrival raises many questions and highlights the challenge of managing the influx of migrants in the region.
The Spanish authorities are aware of the urgency of the situation and are working to strengthen surveillance and rescue systems at sea. But the long-term solution also lies in a global and concerted approach between European countries. It is necessary to put in place humane and sustainable reception policies, while fighting against smuggler networks which exploit the vulnerability of migrants.
The news of migrants in the Canaries is a poignant reminder of the migration crisis facing many countries around the world. It is essential to become aware of this reality and find concrete solutions to protect the lives of migrants while promoting international dialogue on the migration issue.
In conclusion, the arrival of a boat carrying nearly 300 migrants in the Canaries highlights the precarious reality of the crossing to Europe. This situation calls for a collective and humanitarian response to guarantee the safety and dignity of migrants, while addressing the root causes of this migration crisis.