Trail of debris and bodies in the Atlantic: More than 80 feared dead in migrant tragedy off the Canaries

According to Caminando Fronteras, contacts belonging to survivors and relatives have already been informed. The organization published a provisional list with names and countries of origin via the Spanish television network RTVE and on social networks. According to it, most of the missing are from Gambia. The organization stressed that the now-feared toll of over 80 dead could still underestimate the actual situation, since many boats never appear in official statistics.

The Spanish government meanwhile announced the deployment of the coast guard, sea rescue, and aerial surveillance to the sea area between the Canaries and the West African coast. Spokespersons for the Interior Ministry spoke of a coordinated operation with the authorities on Gran Canaria. According to current information, the exact position of the debris, which was spotted by aircraft, lies several hundred kilometers southwest of the island group.

Reactions from UNHCR and the Spanish government

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) expressed dismay and renewed its call for safe and legal pathways to Europe. In an initial statement, it said that the death toll on the Atlantic route has risen dramatically in recent years. At the same time, UNHCR pointed out that numerous boats continue to go undetected and that the actual casualty figures are likely significantly higher than official statistics.

Caminando Fronteras spoke of a "systemic failure" and called for an independent investigation into the incident. The organization criticized that EU states have sharply cut back their rescue missions in the Mediterranean while risks on the western route have been increasing. Without internationally coordinated search and recovery capacities, further tragedies would likely continue, the NGO said.

Several West African governments also expressed concern. Gambia, which according to the provisional list is the most important country of origin, demanded clarification of the circumstances of the sinking. Diplomats pointed to the high number of Gambian nationals among the missing and offered consular assistance to the families.

Background: The Atlantic route via the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands had already recorded an increase in arrivals in recent months. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura were considered the most important first-reception locations. Aid organizations on the ground reported overcrowded accommodations and a tense situation in the ports. The authorities announced that reception capacity would be expanded at short notice.

The Atlantic route, which leads from West Africa via the Canaries to mainland Spain, is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. According to Caminando Fronteras, thousands of people have already died or gone missing at sea on the way this year. The organization publishes an annual report that describes the route as one of the deadliest in the world.

Investigations and next steps

The Spanish judiciary has meanwhile opened preliminary investigations to determine whether crimes related to people-smuggling are involved. The investigations were initially directed against persons unknown. At the same time, prosecutors are reviewing whether survivors and bereaved relatives may be entitled to compensation and admission to Spain.

International reactions also continued to come in on Thursday. UNHCR and several European governments called for a coordinated European response. Caminando Fronteras urged the EU not to further restrict sea rescue in the Atlantic and instead to more strongly support civilian rescue ships. Relatives in Gambia, Senegal, and other West African countries were meanwhile waiting for news of their loved ones.