A devastating human tragedy has once again brought Spain’s migrant crisis into sharp focus. A boat carrying 86 migrants sank en route to the Canary Islands, resulting in at least 50 deaths. According to the Spanish aid organisation Caminando Fronteras, 44 of the victims were of Pakistani origin.
Survivors endured 13 harrowing days at sea before Moroccan authorities rescued 36 people. Helena Maleno, spokesperson for Caminando Fronteras, revealed, “We raised the alarm six days ago with all the relevant countries, but help arrived too late for many.”
The increasingly perilous Canary route
The migration route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has become one of the deadliest. In 2024, 10,457 people lost their lives attempting the journey, according to Caminando Fronteras’ annual report. This marks a record high in fatalities on this route, driven by a combination of inadequate rescue operations and challenging sea conditions.
The number of migrants attempting the crossing also surged in 2024, with a 17.4% increase bringing the total to nearly 47,000. While many migrants originate from West African countries, an increasing number come from Asian nations such as Pakistan, reflecting the growing impact of political instability and economic hardship in these regions.
Overburdened resources
The steady influx of migrants has placed enormous strain on Spain’s resources, particularly in the Canary Islands. Overcrowded reception centres struggle to accommodate the rising numbers, with over 5,800 unaccompanied minors currently housed in the region.
Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, described the situation as “unsustainable.” He urged the Spanish government and the European Union to act decisively, stating, “The Atlantic Ocean cannot remain Africa’s graveyard.”
Calls for responsibility and cooperation
The migrant tragedy has ignited widespread outrage in Spain, with leaders calling for increased solidarity at both national and EU levels. Ángel Víctor Torres, a Spanish minister, wrote on social media, “They died hoping for a better life.”
To address the immediate challenges, the Spanish government and Canary authorities have given themselves ten days to draft a redistribution plan for unaccompanied migrant children across the country. However, this initiative only scratches the surface of the broader crisis.
Spain has repeatedly urged the European Union to take a fairer share of responsibility for handling migrants. Clavijo has called for reforms to Spain’s immigration laws and an EU-wide system to better distribute migrants across member states.
The need for structural solutions
While EU initiatives to cooperate with countries of origin and transit exist, experts argue that more comprehensive measures are needed. These include:
- Legal migration pathways: Reducing reliance on dangerous, irregular routes.
- Enhanced rescue operations: Improving capacity and response times to prevent further loss of life.
- Fair distribution: Equitably allocating asylum seekers among EU member states.
A growing crisis
Since 2020, over 148,000 refugees have arrived on the Canary Islands by sea. For many, the Atlantic Ocean remains a perilous barrier between despair and hope. Tragically, the route’s growing dangers mean that for some, it becomes their final destination.
Without coordinated action from Spain, the EU, and international partners, the Canary migration route will continue to claim lives. For those who perish seeking a better future, the cost of inaction is measured in human tragedy.
Also read: Easier path to residency for migrants under new law