The Canary Islands, a popular departure point for boats heading across the Atlantic, has recorded a 126% increase in migrant boats arriving from Africa this year, according to a spokesperson for the Islands’ Government.

Published 2 months ago

Escalating Migrant Crisis

Spain’s Canary Islands have sent a formal invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to experience first-hand what they perceive as an escalating migrant crisis.

As of 15 August, 2024, the Canary Islands had recorded 22,300 migrants arriving since the beginning of the year, with even higher numbers expected in the coming months.

A person dies every 45 minutes on the Atlantic crossing to the Archipelago, according to Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the Government of the Canary Islands who stressed the perilous nature of these journeys and the urgent need for EU involvement in the crisis.

The Atlantic remains the deadliest migratory route, with more than 4,800 deaths reported this year.

Juan Carlos Lorenzo, coordinator of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR), explains that migration routes intensify during the last few months of the year, due to favourable navigability conditions.

The migrants predominantly come from Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania.

Main Route for Migrants

Last year saw a record 39,910 arrivals, but current levels suggest 2024 is on track to set a new record, confirming the Atlantic route to the Canaries as the main conduit for migrants despite its treacherous nature.

The route is particularly perilous due to its strong currents, with thousands of deaths and disappearances every year as people seek to cross in overloaded, often unseaworthy boats.

The Canary Islands are not the only part of southern Spain to be affected by an upsurge in migrant arrivals. The tiny enclave of Ceuta on the north African coast, is also experiencing a sharp rise in newcomers.

Ceuta and its fellow enclave Melilla, have long been a magnet for those fleeing violence and poverty across Africa and seeking refuge by crossing Africa’s only land borders with the EU.

Encountering Migrants

See this report for more details and what do do if you encounter a migrant boat. If transiting to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and El Hierro, keep a sharp look out.

If you see a migrant boat call:
Salvamento de Las Palmas: Tel. 928 467 757 / 928 467 955
Salvamento de Tenerife: Tel. 922 597 551 / 922 597 552

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Related News:

• Canary Islands Invites Ursula Van Leyden to Witness Migrant Crisis First-Hand (Euro News
• Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez Heads to West Africa as  Migrant Arrivals Surge (SpaininEnglish)
• Record Number of Migrants Cross from Africa (Noonsite – November 2023)
• Atlantic: Tragedy on Migrant Boat heading for Canary Islands (Noonsite)

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Related Links:

• More Migrant Stories on Noonsite
• RYA Advice – Cruising the World
• Yachting World – What should sailors do if they encounter migrant boats at sea
• ItBoat – Memo to the skipper:  what to do when you meet a boat with refugees at sea

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