Tragedy struck off the coast of Senegal when a boat carrying at least 30 decomposing bodies was discovered approximately 45 miles from the capital city of Dakar. The navy retrieved the wooden canoe, also known as a pirogue, on Monday morning. Recovery efforts are being hampered by the advanced state of decomposition, making identification and transfer extremely delicate.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the surge in migrants attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands from Senegal, a perilous 950-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The recent increase in migrants undertaking this treacherous route is attributed to poverty, conflict, and unemployment.
Local fishermen often encounter floating bodies or lifeless boats while fishing off the coast, underscoring the dangers of this journey. Dakar boat owner Mandiaye Diène emphasized that such journeys are akin to suicide, while fisherman Bassirou Mbengue acknowledged the desperation driving these migrants.
The presence of foreign trawlers off Senegal’s coast has severely impacted local fishermen, forcing some to consider migration or renting their boats to smugglers. Mr. Mbengue expressed concerns about the safety of sea travel to Europe and the devastating impact of depleted fish stocks and expensive equipment.
In August, 14 decomposing bodies believed to be Senegalese migrants were found off the Dominican Republic’s coast. Senegal’s government has launched a 10-year plan to tackle illegal migration amid rising migrant-related deaths.
Despite interceptions of hundreds of migrants by authorities, unemployment, conflict, and poverty continue to drive young men to risk the journey from West Africa to the Canary Islands. Boubacar Sèye, President of Horizons sans Frontières, considers this phenomenon structural rather than cyclical.
To address this issue, Mr. Sèye advocates for awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas, emphasizing the total despair driving migrants to seek better lives elsewhere. The Canary Islands route has become increasingly popular among young West African migrants due to its single, albeit dangerous, journey.
Frontex reported a 161% increase in the Atlantic route in 2023, with approximately 40,000 migrants reaching the Canary Islands last year. Sadly, nearly 1,000 are known to have died or disappeared during the journey.
The actual number of casualties is likely much higher, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions to address the root causes of migration. This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of desperation and the imperative for comprehensive action.
In the face of such devastating losses, it is crucial to reexamine migration policies and support economic development in affected regions to prevent further tragedies.
