At least 69 people, including 25 Malians, lost their lives on December 19, 2024, when a makeshift boat capsized off the coast of Morocco during an attempt to reach Spain’s Canary Islands from West Africa, according to Al Jazeera.
The boat, which was carrying approximately 80 passengers, sank in the midst of the treacherous journey, leaving only 11 survivors. Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad has established a crisis unit to monitor the situation closely.
Many of the deceased hailed from the Kayes region in western Mali. These individuals had initially migrated to Mauritania in search of work in the construction industry. Influenced by friends living in Europe and America, they embarked on the hazardous crossing, often without informing their families.
Mamadou Siby, the mayor of Marena in the Kayes region, confirmed that eight of the victims were from his commune. He explained that these young men had left seven months earlier to find employment in Mauritania before deciding to attempt migration to Europe.
This tragic incident highlights the escalating dangers of the Atlantic migration route, a pathway increasingly used by migrants seeking to reach Spain. Migrant aid group Walking Borders has labeled this route the deadliest in the world, reporting over 10,000 deaths in 2024 alone—the highest number since the organization began tracking fatalities in 2007.
The Atlantic route typically begins in countries like Senegal, The Gambia, Mauritania, and Morocco, with migrants fleeing poverty, unemployment, and conflicts in the Sahel region, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The worsening impacts of climate change on agriculture in the region have further driven individuals to attempt the perilous journey.
In addition to the mounting fatalities, the Atlantic migration route has witnessed a surge in arrivals to the Canary Islands this year. Between January and November, 41,425 migrants reached the islands, surpassing the total number recorded in 2023.
Walking Borders has attributed the spike in deaths to insufficient rescue operations, arbitrary actions by authorities, and the criminalization of migrants. The organization has accused governments of prioritizing immigration control over the preservation of human life, thereby intensifying the dangers faced by migrants.
Malian authorities continue to gather information and provide support to the families of the victims. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for more humane and effective solutions to address the ongoing migrant crisis.
