Tragedy Highlights Dangers of Atlantic Migration Route as 69 Migrants Die
Irregular african migration boat, Photo: @thehindu
December 27, 2024 Hour: 5:24 pm
The incident once again underscores the deadly dangers of the Atlantic migration route, used by thousands attempting to reach Europe. The government of Mali reported on Thursday the death of at least 69 migrants who were trying to travel from West Africa to Spain in an improvised boat that capsized off the coast of Morocco on December 19.
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Over 10,400 Migrants Died in 2024 Trying to Reach Spain
In a statement, Malian authorities confirmed that around 80 passengers were on board the vessel, of which only 11 managed to survive, including nine Malians.
According to investigations, among the victims, 25 young individuals from Mali have been identified. The Malian authorities announced the creation of a crisis unit that will allow them to monitor every update and communicate progress in the investigations regarding this tragedy.
“The ministry cross-referenced information from various sources, including Mali’s embassies in Mauritania and Morocco, relatives of the victims, elected representatives from their localities, and some survivors,” they added.
The Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras reported that more than 10,400 migrants have died or gone missing at sea during 2024, “a year marked by a record influx of migrants to Spain’s Canary Islands.” Meanwhile, the group Walking Borders reported that nearly 5,000 people—a record number—lost their lives in the first five months of 2024.
The increase in migration along this Atlantic route is linked to factors such as violence in the Sahel region, unemployment, and the effects of climate change, which have driven many agricultural communities to seek jobs and other opportunities in Europe.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
