Dozens killed after migrant boat sinks off Senegal
At least 34 people have died after a small vessel carrying migrants capsized off the coast of northwestern Senegal near Kebemer, roughly 180 kilometers (112 miles) north of Dakar. The Senegalese Ministry of the Interior initially reported that rescue teams had pulled only a single survivor from the water and retrieved 21 bodies, noting that the casualty count remains provisional as search efforts proceed. Stressing its determination to combat migrant smuggling networks in coordination with neighboring nations, the ministry also confirmed that Senegalese authorities intercepted a separate boat carrying 142 migrants from various West African countries on Friday.
The shipwreck underscores the continuing risks along the Atlantic passage to Spain's Canary Islands, where thousands have perished in recent years. Meanwhile, authorities on El Hierro declared an emergency on Saturday after receiving more than 3,300 people across roughly 30 vessels since the beginning of the month. The influx has heavily strained the island of about 11,400 residents, leading Alpidio Armas, head of the El Hierro regional council, to warn that conditions at the local hospital have become undesirable. Although total arrivals across the archipelago fell after reaching a record 46,000 in 2024 thanks to stepped-up surveillance and cooperation with African states, El Hierro's declaration seeks urgent support from higher-level institutions.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔