In a remarkable humanitarian endeavor, the Spanish coastguard successfully rescued over 500 migrants from the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Spain’s Canary Islands, on Saturday, November 4. This significant rescue operation comes as the archipelago is on the brink of surpassing the all-time record for migrant arrivals set in 2006.
Amidst the rescued individuals from four boats in the waters off El Hierro, the smallest and most westerly of the Canary Islands, the coastguard made the heartbreaking discovery of two deceased individuals. Tragically, two other individuals later succumbed in the hospital, as reported by the Spanish Civil Guard, which also participated in the rescue operation.
The number of arrivals has seen a recent surge, as milder weather and calmer seas since September have made the perilous crossing from Africa more feasible. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, a staggering total of 30,705 undocumented migrants reached the Canary Islands in the first 10 months of this year, marking a 111 percent increase from the same period in 2022.
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Located approximately 100km off Africa’s west coast, the Canary Islands have emerged as the primary destination for migrants from Senegal and other African countries attempting to reach Spain, either fleeing conflict or in pursuit of a better life. In response to the escalating crisis, the Spanish government has announced plans to establish additional emergency accommodation for approximately 3,000 migrants in military barracks, hotels, and hostels.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing migrant crisis and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the multifaceted challenges of migration and asylum.