According to reports, Spanish law enforcement has apprehended 19 individuals believed to be involved in the tragic deaths of numerous migrants during a perilous journey from Senegal to the Canary Islands.
Survivors recounted harrowing tales of abuse at the hands of smugglers, who allegedly tortured passengers and callously discarded at least 30 individuals overboard. Those who fell into the ocean were reportedly met with indifference rather than assistance.
The ill-fated wooden pirogue, measuring approximately 20 meters, departed from Senegal in August with around 300 hopeful asylum seekers aiming for Europe. After an arduous 11-day trek across treacherous waters, a Spanish coastguard vessel named Guardamar Urania rescued 248 survivors near Dajla, close to southern Morocco (Western Sahara), on August 24. Tragically, one of those rescued later succumbed to injuries in a hospital.
The detained suspects have been identified by survivors as key figures behind this deadly voyage. Witnesses indicated that smugglers labeled certain passengers as “witches,” blaming them for mechanical failures and other misfortunes encountered during their journey.
This brutal treatment extended beyond accusations; individuals were thrown into the sea alive simply for voicing dissent or protesting against their dire conditions aboard. Authorities estimate that at least 50 people either perished or went missing during this crossing.
The suspects now face serious charges including murder and torture related to their roles in facilitating illegal immigration. Most are reported as Senegalese nationals, with one individual hailing from Gambia; they were taken into custody after being held at migrant centers within the Canary Islands.
The route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is notorious for its dangers and is considered one of the most lethal migration paths globally. Migrants embark on a grueling journey spanning roughly 1,000 nautical miles across open ocean often aboard overcrowded vessels made of wood.
Citing data from humanitarian organization Caminando Fronteras, it was noted that approximately 10,000 lives were lost attempting this crossing last year alone. In contrast, records show that over 46,800 migrants successfully reached the Canary Islands by boat last year despite an alarming death toll ranging between thousands annually.
Spain’s naval chief Admiral General Antonio Pineiro emphasized that government efforts prioritize search and rescue operations rather than deterrent measures against these vulnerable vessels: “Our mission is not about confronting these boats but providing assistance,” he stated during an interview with local media outlets.
This year has seen around 23,583 migrants arrive on Spanish shores via small boats—about a decrease of nearly 10% compared to last year’s figures within this timeframe. The West Africa–Atlantic route continues leading arrivals with over half reporting successful landings in Canaries so far this year despite ongoing risks associated with such crossings which have claimed countless lives previously.
