The coastguard reported that they rescued more than 500 people from four boats near El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands. Tragically, they also found two deceased individuals among those rescued, and two more people lost their lives in the hospital. The rescue effort included women and children.

The number of people arriving on the Canary Islands has been increasing, as the weather has become milder, and the sea is calmer since September. This makes it somewhat safer to attempt the dangerous journey from Africa to the islands.

The Spanish Interior Ministry revealed that 30,705 undocumented migrants arrived in the Canary Islands during the first 10 months of this year, which is a significant 111% rise compared to the same period in 2022. This number is close to the yearly record of 31,678 migrants who arrived on the Canary Islands in 2006, a time when other routes to Europe were blocked.

The Canary Islands received the majority of the 43,290 undocumented migrants who came to Spain by sea last year. The archipelago is located about 100 km (60 miles) off the west coast of Africa and has become the primary destination for migrants from countries like Senegal, who are trying to reach Spain to escape conflicts or seek a better life.

The Spanish government has announced plans to provide extra emergency housing for approximately 3,000 migrants in military facilities, hotels, and hostels.

Source: Reuters