At least 34 dead after Europe-bound migrant boat sinks off Senegal

At least 34 people have died after a migrant boat bound for Europe sank off the coast of Senegal. Saliou Diouf, the founder of the Senegalese migrant aid organisation Boza Fii, confirmed to news agencies that all bodies retrieved by Sunday evening were Senegalese citizens, while the identities of others on the vessel remain under investigation as searches persist.

Fire services organised a collective funeral prayer on Monday morning for four additional bodies recovered in an advanced state of decomposition. Rescue teams are currently scouring a 25km (15-mile) stretch of the coastline, though efforts are being hindered by strong ocean currents and difficult terrain that have pushed remains further south.

According to authorities, 24 of the 39 victims have been identified and returned to their families, with 11 others still awaiting formal identification. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye offered his condolences to the bereaved families and appealed to Senegalese citizens to avoid the dangers of sea crossings. In a statement on X, he promised to increase efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks, stating, "We will relentlessly continue the fight against those who organise these crossings and the work that gives our young people reasons to hope here."

This incident highlights ongoing risks for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with Walking Borders estimating that approximately 21 people perish for every 100 who successfully reach the Canary Islands. Senegalese police reported intercepting another vessel on Friday carrying 142 migrants, including 23 women, two babies, and two children, from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Spanish island of El Hierro declared a state of emergency on Saturday following a significant rise in arrivals. Local authorities report that over 3,300 people have arrived on the island in roughly 30 boats since the start of November, representing nearly one-third of the island's total population.