Spain: Six Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Canary Islands

A tragic incident involving migrants has occurred in Spain, as at least six people lost their lives when a boat carrying them capsized off the coast of El Hierro island while being escorted into the harbor by rescuers. The vessel, which reportedly carried approximately 180 migrants according to the state broadcaster TVE, overturned as it approached La Restinga harbor on El Hierro, the smallest island in the Canary Islands archipelago. A representative from the local maritime rescue service stated that many passengers moved to one side of the boat as it neared the harbor, causing it to capsize. Footage aired by TVE showed the boat sinking, with migrants, including children, falling into the water. Many attempted to cling to the nearby rescue boat while life jackets were thrown to them. An emergency helicopter was deployed to assist rescuers in pulling migrants from the sea, according to emergency services. The number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands from West Africa reached record levels in 2024, but arrivals have decreased this year, according to data from the Ministry of Interior. The Atlantic migration route is particularly perilous due to harsh weather conditions that can easily cause homemade boats used by most migrants to overturn. Between January and May 2024, 4,808 people died trying to reach the Canary Islands from Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia, according to the migrant rights organization Walking Borders.