Tragic Capsizing of Migrant Boat Near Canary Islands Claims Lives of Women and Children
Four women and three girls have tragically lost their lives after a migrant boat capsized as it approached a port on Spain's Canary Islands. The country's maritime rescue service reported that the boat, believed to be carrying approximately 150 people, was spotted six miles off the La Restinga harbor on the island of El Hierro on Wednesday.
The vessel was escorted to the dock by the state rescue ship Salvamar Diphda, but as it was about to disembark, it capsized. Emergency officials, local business staff, and a diving team rushed to rescue individuals from the water. Among those who died were a 16-year-old girl and two younger girls, thought to be under five years old, according to reports from emergency services.
Two children, aged three and five, were critically injured and transported by helicopter to a hospital in Tenerife, while a three-month-old baby with breathing difficulties was taken to a local medical facility.
In response to the heartbreaking news, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences to the victims' families and offered full support to those helping to alleviate their suffering. "The tragedy that unfolded in El Hierro should move us all," he stated on social media. "Lives lost in a desperate attempt to find a better future. We must rise to the occasion. It is a matter of humanity."
This incident reflects the ongoing perilous journey facing migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands. Last year, the route claimed over 10,400 lives according to the NGO Caminando Fronteras. As the European Union intensifies its efforts to control migration in the Mediterranean, many have resorted to the dangerous Atlantic route, using unstable vessels that often cannot withstand the harsh ocean currents.
While a record number of individuals took the risk last year, official figures from January to May have revealed a one-third drop in arrivals to the Canary Islands. The central government representative in the region, Anselmo Pestana, indicated that the waters around El Hierro had been particularly turbulent in recent days, suggesting that the passengers of the capsized vessel had endured a long, arduous crossing and were likely in a state of extreme exhaustion as they approached the dock.
"We know that this is the most delicate moment of a rescue," he said. Fernandoc Clavijo, the Canary Islands regional leader, called the incident a reflection of the authentic tragedy unfolding in the region, as emergency services confront the grave consequences of this treacherous route.
"Once again, we are seeing the harshest side of immigration, which affects children and, unfortunately, so many others," he remarked. This boat capsizing occurred at a moment when the migrants believed they were close to realizing their dream of safety and a better life.
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