Tragedy at Sea: 69 Dead as Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Morocco

 

At least 69 lives were lost when a migrant boat en route from West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands capsized off the coast of Morocco on December 19. According to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad, the vessel was carrying approximately 80 passengers, leaving only 11 survivors. Officials have since established a crisis unit to manage the aftermath and provide support.

This devastating incident underscores the increasing dangers of the Atlantic migration route, a perilous path connecting West Africa to the Canary Islands. Between January and November 2024, 41,425 arrivals were recorded—surpassing the previous year’s record of 39,910.

The surge in migration attempts is driven by a combination of factors, including ongoing conflict in the Sahel region, rising unemployment, and the catastrophic effects of climate change on agricultural livelihoods.

In a related incident, the Red Cross confirmed the death of one migrant among 300 who arrived on six boats to El Hierro, a Canary Island, on December 27. Such occurrences highlight the persistent risks faced by those undertaking these journeys.

The Atlantic route remains the world’s deadliest migration pathway. A report by migrant aid organization Walking Borders revealed a staggering 9,757 deaths at sea in 2024 among those attempting to reach the Canary Islands. Across all routes to Spain, 10,457 fatalities were documented this year—an average of nearly 30 deaths per day.

The Mauritania departure point, a key route for migrants from the Sahel, accounted for 6,829 of these deaths, the highest of any region.

Walking Borders has criticized government policies for their role in the crisis, accusing authorities of prioritizing immigration control over the protection of human life. The organization highlighted inadequate rescue efforts and the criminalization of migrants as key contributors to the high death toll.

The tragedy off Morocco’s coast is yet another grim reminder of the human cost of migration. As governments face mounting pressure to address the root causes of displacement and improve rescue operations, the global community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life on these dangerous journeys.