Tragedy off the coast of Senegal. At least 150 migrants died

At least 150 people died after the sinking off the coast of Senegal of a ship heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands with about 200 migrants on board, Helena Maleno Garzon, head of the Caminando Fronteras organization, announced on social media on Friday.

“As we celebrate Christmas, hundreds of families are mourning,” Garzon wrote.

The Senegalese coast guard and navy managed to recover about 30 people alive.

The ship most likely sailed from the Saloum River delta in southern Senegal. When the engines failed after several hours, the captain tried to land at the nearest beach, but the panicked passengers rocked the ship, which eventually capsized and sank.

Senegalese authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy.

The migration route from Senegal to the Canary Islands is considered one of the most dangerous in the world due to unpredictable storms and strong sea currents. According to the Walking Borders organization, almost 10,000 people died in 2024 while trying to cross it. people. Spain's Interior Ministry reported that so far this year, 17,555 people have arrived by sea on the islands, much less than last year, when the number reached almost 44,000. (PAP)

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