Spanish maritime rescue officials recovered the bodies of five individuals after saving 44 men from a drifting boat located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Gran Canaria on Wednesday evening. The incident has reignited concerns over the lethal nature of Atlantic crossings, with humanitarian organizations warning that the final death toll may be significantly higher than official figures suggest.
Salvamento Marítimo reported that adverse weather conditions delayed the retrieval of the corpses, which remained on board until the vessel was towed to the port of Arguineguín. Three survivors in critical condition were airlifted to a local hospital, while the remaining 41 individuals received medical assistance from the Red Cross. All survivors were male, including some minors originating from Mali or Senegal.
Helena Maleno, spokesperson for the NGO Caminando Fronteras, stated that 83 migrants and refugees perished on the same vessel, which departed The Gambia 27 days prior. Her organization’s count includes three women and a baby girl, data compiled from family testimonies and official rescue statistics. Maleno noted that NGO estimates frequently exceed government figures due to unreported casualties.
A Salvamento Marítimo representative confirmed to AFP that the additional alleged victims have neither been found nor rescued, rendering the higher toll unverified. It remains unclear whether further search operations will be launched.
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo condemned the tragedy, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive state migration policy. “It is intolerable that lives continue to be lost,” Clavijo said on social media. “The Canaries cannot get used to or accept as normal the fact that the Atlantic continues to be a death trap.”
The Canary Islands remain a primary entry point into Europe for those fleeing poverty and conflict, alongside routes through the Mediterranean. The crossing from West Africa is considered one of the world’s most dangerous due to strong ocean currents and the use of overcrowded, poorly maintained vessels.
Despite the ongoing loss of life, total arrivals to the archipelago have declined sharply. After peaking at over 46,000 in 2024, interior ministry figures show that only 5,163 migrants and refugees arrived by sea between January and August 31, marking a 57 percent drop compared to the same period last year.
83 dead sounds horrifying, but I need more proof than family stories. Where are the bodies?
57 percent fewer arrivals this year is a stark drop. Is policy working, or just pushing routes elsewhere?