Emergency responders rescued 136 African migrants from a boat near the Canary Island of El Hierro.
The migrants were brought to the La Restinga port aboard a vessel operated by Spain’s sea search and rescue agency.
El Hierro, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, is a frequent destination for migrants attempting the dangerous journey toward Europe.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is set to embark on a three-day visit to West Africa on Tuesday to address the surge in migrant arrivals. His tour will include Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal, key countries in the current migration crisis.
Spain’s government is grappling with a significant increase in migrant arrivals. Between January 1 and August 15, 2024, 22,304 migrants reached the Canary Islands, a 126% rise compared to the same period in 2023. Across Spain, arrivals reached 31,155, marking a 66.2% increase year-on-year. The surge is expected to continue as autumn weather conditions improve.
Fernando Clavijo, regional leader of the Canary Islands, has called on the European Union for additional support, warning that the islands are “on the verge of collapse.” He estimates arrivals could hit 50,000 by the end of the year, surpassing last year’s record of 39,910.
The Atlantic route to the Canaries is now the main entry point for West African migrants heading to Europe, despite its perilous nature, with thousands of deaths occurring each year due to overcrowded, unseaworthy boats.
Sanchez’s visit aims to seek cooperation from West African countries to curb migrant departures, particularly from Mauritania, which is the primary departure point for many migrants.
However, it remains unclear what incentives the Spanish government may offer during this diplomatic mission.
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