Canary Islands: Over 80 migrants dead after vessel drifts for 27 days

An estimated 83 migrants died after a vessel drifted adrift in the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 26 to 27 days while traveling from Gambia toward the Canary Islands. The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service located the boat on Wednesday, roughly 65 nautical miles southwest of Arguineguín, Gran Canaria.

Rescuers found 44 survivors, primarily men from sub-Saharan Africa, along with five bodies on board. Due to severe weather conditions, including 20-knot winds and 2.5-meter waves, rescuers were unable to recover the five bodies at the time of the operation. Three survivors were airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, while others were transported by sea to Gran Canaria.

Human rights activist Elena Maleno García, founder of the organization Caminando Fronteras, reported that the vessel originally departed Gambia in early August with 127 people, including women and an infant. Survivors described extreme dehydration and disorientation after consuming seawater. Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands government, described the Atlantic migration route as a ‘death trap’ and called the loss of life unacceptable.