Migrant Boat Sinks Off Senegal Coast Killing at Least 35
A migrant boat capsized off the coast of Senegal killing at least 35 people as Spain's El Hierro island declares an emergency over surging arrivals.
A pirogue-type flat-bottom boat sank off the northwestern coast of Senegal near the Loumpoul dunes in the Kebemer department, leaving at least 35 people dead and one known survivor. While the Senegalese Ministry of the Interior initially reported a provisional toll of 21 recovered bodies, subsequent reports from the Senegalese Press Agency and Action for Human Rights and Friendship increased the death toll to at least 34, with later estimates reaching 35. Saliou Diouf of the migrant aid association Boza Fii clarified that the sinking occurred on Friday, though some media reports suggested Saturday.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye mobilized state resources to locate missing persons and provide support to affected families, most of whom reportedly hail from the Leona and Thieppe districts. The tragedy follows a Friday interception of 142 migrants from various West African nations attempting to reach Spain. The Senegalese Ministry of the Interior attributed the use of more hazardous southern departure points to increased maritime patrols in Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.
Simultaneously, officials on the Canary Island of El Hierro declared a state of emergency on Saturday. This decision followed the arrival of more than 3,300 migrants on approximately 30 boats since the start of November. The Senegalese government has reiterated its commitment to combating people smuggling networks through strengthened cooperation with neighboring countries.
