MADRID – The number of migrants irregularly entering Spain by sea has soared by nearly 300 percent so far in January compared to the same period in 2023, with the vast majority arriving in the Canary Islands. This was revealed in official data on January 16th.
The seven islands, some 100 kilometers off Africa’s northwest coast, are a major destination for migrants from Senegal and other African countries seeking a better life or fleeing conflict to reach Spain. .
A total of 3,658 migrants entered Spain by sea between January 1 and 15, most on fragile boats, up from 921 in the same period last year, Interior Ministry data showed.
Approximately 95% of those arriving by sea went to the Canary Islands, with the remainder entering via the Balearic Islands or mainland Spain.
The number of boats increased only slightly, from 65 to 80, suggesting more crammed and dangerous voyages.
2023 will be a record year for the number of irregular migrants entering Spain, particularly the Canary Islands, with 39,910 arriving last year.
Human rights group Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) said in its latest report that 6,618 migrants died trying to reach Spain last year, making the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands the deadliest.
The bodies of the five migrants were discovered by the coast guard a few days earlier aboard a large wooden boat at sea, and were taken to the port of Los Cristianos on the island of Tenerife on January 4.
Last year, the Spanish government stepped up communications with authorities in countries such as Senegal and Mauritania in a bid to reverse this trend.
Spain also had to set up additional emergency accommodation for migrants in military barracks, hotels and hostels across the country.Reuters