At least 300 people who were travelling on three migrant boats from Senegal to Spain’s Canary Islands have disappeared, plunging their families into anguish and raising concerns about the perilous nature of the journey. The harrowing news was disclosed by the migrant aid group Walking Borders.
Among the missing are two boats, one carrying approximately 65 people and the other with an estimated 50 to 60 individuals on board, which have been unaccounted for since their departure from Senegal around 15 days ago.
Helena Maleno of Walking Borders said another boat embarked on June 27 and set sail with around 200 people, all of whom have vanished without any contact with their loved ones since their departure.
All three boats reportedly departed from Kafountine in southern Senegal, embarking on a treacherous journey spanning approximately 1,700 kilometers to reach the Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa.
The Islands have become a prominent destination for migrants attempting to reach Spain, with the allure of better opportunities and living conditions.
In 2022 alone, data from the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that at least 559 people, including 22 children, lost their lives.
