Over 10000 migrants died in 2024 trying to reach Spain by sea

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

In 2024, over 10,000 migrants died while attempting to reach Spain by sea, with an average of 30 deaths per day, according to a report by the Spanish migration rights group Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders). This marks a 58% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.

Details of the report:

Most of these deaths occurred along the dangerous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, a key entry point to Europe from West Africa.
Mauritania has emerged as a significant departure point for migrants traveling toward the Canary Islands.

Migration routes to Europe via sea:

Western Mediterranean route: On the Western Mediterranean route, migrants primarily travel from Morocco and Algeria, often attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar or reach Spanish enclaves like Ceuta and Melilla.
Atlantic route: On the Atlantic route, migrants mostly depart from West African countries such as Senegal and Mauritania, aiming for the Canary Islands.
Both routes are perilous due to extreme weather, strong currents, and increased border controls.
Atlantic crossing is especially hazardous, with long journeys of 1000-1500 km, often in small, overcrowded boats like inflatable rafts or fishing vessels, which are unsuitable for high seas travel.

Canary Islands:

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, approximately 100 kilometres west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.
It consists of seven main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, as well as several smaller islands and islets.
Tenerife is the largest island and El Hierro is the smallest.
The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.