Emergency responders rescued 136 African migrants off the coast of El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, as they attempted to reach Europe. The migrants were brought to La Restinga port by a Spanish sea search and rescue vessel. This rescue is part of a growing crisis, as Spain grapples with an increasing number of migrants arriving on its shores.
The Canary Islands have become a key entry point for West African migrants seeking to reach Europe, with Spain’s coastguard regularly intercepting boats. Between January and mid-August 2024, over 22,000 migrants arrived on the islands, marking a 126% increase from the same period in 2023.
As the situation intensifies, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to visit West Africa, including Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal, in an effort to address the migration crisis. The regional leader of the Canary Islands has called for greater support from the European Union, warning that the islands are “on the verge of collapse” due to the increasing numbers. The dangerous Atlantic route to the Canaries continues to claim lives, with thousands of migrants dying each year on their journey.
News Editor