A grim discovery was made off the coast of Senegal, highlighting the deadly risks migrants face on the perilous journey to the Canary Islands. And 30 decomposing bodies were found at the coast of Dakar.
Summary:
- A boat carrying at least 30 decomposing bodies was found drifting off the coast of Dakar, Senegal.
- The victims are believed to be migrants attempting the dangerous journey to the Canary Islands.
- This incident follows a surge in migrant deaths on this route, with thousands perishing at sea in recent years.
The Senegalese navy recovered a wooden boat with at least 30 decomposing bodies on board on Monday, September 25, 2024. The boat was found adrift approximately 70 km (38 nautical miles) off the coast of Dakar, Senegal’s capital city.
The navy was alerted to the boat’s presence on Sunday evening and dispatched a patrol boat to the scene. The advanced state of decomposition made identifying the bodies challenging. The Atlantic migration route, used by African migrants to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, is known for its dangers.
Tragically, it is estimated that almost 5,000 migrants died attempting this crossing in the first five months of 2024 alone. This recent discovery aligns with a concerning trend of rising migrant deaths on this route. In August 2024, 14 bodies, suspected to be Senegalese migrants, were found off the coast of the Dominican Republic.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 40,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands in 2023, while nearly 1,000 were reported dead or missing. The actual number of casualties is believed to be much higher.
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Factors such as unemployment, poverty, and conflict contribute to young people risking their lives on these treacherous voyages. In response to the escalating migrant deaths, the Senegalese government introduced a 10-year plan in August 2024 aimed at addressing the issue of illegal migration.
These 30 decomposing bodies at the Senegal coast have spraked controversy in the region.
