Record Migrant Arrivals to Canary Islands in 2024 Amidst Rising Death Toll
In a staggering turn of events, a record 46,843 people reached the Canary Islands illegally in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of unprecedented migration numbers across the treacherous Atlantic route, according to official reports. This dramatic rise follows last year's figure, which stood at 63,970 irregular migrants, predominantly making their way to the Canaries, an increase from the 56,852 who arrived in 2023. The Spanish Interior Ministry released these alarming statistics on Thursday, highlighting Spain’s critical role in the ongoing European Union migration crisis.
Amid tightening control measures in the Mediterranean, more migrants are now attempting the perilous journey from West Africa to the Canary Islands. The EU border agency, Frontex, reported a 40% decrease in irregular crossings into the EU from January to November 2024. However, during the same period, there was a notable 19% increase in crossings via the Atlantic route, with migrants hailing primarily from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco.
Thursday's data has confirmed earlier reports published in December, which indicated that the record for annual migrant arrivals by boat to the Canary Islands had been broken for a second consecutive year. Last year's influx notably surpassed the previous record of 39,910 migrants arriving by sea in 2023, which had already exceeded the longstanding record set in 2006.
In comparison, the 2024 total for all of Spain fell short of the record-high 64,298 arrivals noted in 2018. However, the human cost of this migration crisis has been dire. A recent report from the NGO Caminando Fronteras revealed that at least 10,457 migrants have died or disappeared while attempting to reach Spain by sea between January 1 and December 5, 2024. This represents a grim 50% increase in fatalities compared to 2023 and the highest death toll since the organization began tracking these figures in 2007.
The report attributed this staggering rise in deaths to the use of dangerously unseaworthy vessels, perilous waters, and insufficient resources for rescuers. As the migration crisis continues to unfold, the international community is increasingly confronted with the urgent need to address both the humanitarian needs of those fleeing hardship and the systemic issues perpetuating this cycle of desperation.
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