A staggering 10,000 migrants lost their lives in 2024 while attempting to reach Spain by sea, according to a report released by the Spanish migration rights organization Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) on Thursday.
The report highlights a grim average of 30 migrant deaths per day, underscoring the perilous nature of these journeys. Overall fatalities rose by 58% compared to the previous year, reflecting an alarming trend in migrant deaths.
The Atlantic Route: A Deadly Path
Tens of thousands of migrants embarked on dangerous sea voyages from West Africa to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago near the African coast that has become a key transit point for those seeking entry into continental Europe. Caminando Fronteras revealed that 10,457 deaths were recorded up to December 15, with the majority occurring along the Atlantic route. This passage is widely regarded as one of the world’s most hazardous migration routes.
The data, compiled from reports by families of missing migrants and official rescue statistics, included 1,538 children and 421 women among the victims. The months of April and May were identified as the deadliest periods, the report stated.
Increase in Departures from Mauritania
The organization also noted a significant surge in departures from Mauritania in 2024, which has now emerged as the primary launch point for vessels heading toward the Canary Islands. This marked shift highlights the growing role of Mauritania in the region’s migration dynamics.
In response to the crisis, Spain committed €210 million (approximately $218 million) in aid to Mauritania in February, aiming to support efforts to combat human trafficking and prevent the departure of migrant boats.
Migrant Arrivals in Spain on the Rise
Spain’s Interior Ministry reported that more than 57,700 migrants successfully reached Spanish shores by sea as of December 15, representing a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Atlantic route accounted for the vast majority of these arrivals.
The report underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and enhanced efforts to address the root causes of migration, while also ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals undertaking these perilous journeys.
