Another heavy toll is being reported on the migration corridor to the Canary Islands, where 83 people are dead or missing after a boat carrying migrants sank. The figures were made public by rescue authorities and the organization Caminando Fronteras, in an incident that brings renewed attention to the human cost of this sea route.
The boat was found after 27 days at sea
According to data reported by rescue authorities and the non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras, there were 128 migrants on the small boat. It had departed 27 days earlier from North Africa.
The vessel was located on the evening of September 2, about 120 kilometers southeast of Gran Canaria. The maritime patrol, according to the official version, arrived near the boat after 11:00 p.m.
44 survivors, five bodies on board
The operation led to the rescue of 44 people, all men from Sub-Saharan Africa. Five bodies were also found on board, but difficult sea conditions prevented their recovery.
Strong winds and waves reported to be as high as 2.5 meters made the operation in the area more difficult.
Three survivors in serious condition
Three of the survivors were transported by helicopter to Doctor Negrín University Hospital in Gran Canaria, as they were in serious health condition.
The others were taken to the port of Arguineguín, where they received medical assistance from health teams and Red Cross volunteers.
Among the passengers, women and a newborn baby
According to Caminando Fronteras, among the people on the boat were four women and a newborn baby.
Spanish authorities are carrying out checks to identify the victims and fully clarify the circumstances of the incident, while this tragedy comes at a time when an increase in migration flows toward the Canary Islands is being reported.
The incident adds another dramatic episode to one of the most dangerous crossing routes to Europe, where the full toll often becomes clear only after the tragedy has occurred.