In just two days, almost 900 migrants have landed in the Canary Islands aboard 15 boats, with the journey proving fatal for one and leaving several others in dire condition. Amid this influx, rescue efforts have been relentless as authorities work to handle the situation.
Late Thursday, Salvamento Marítimo received an alert about a canoe carrying 55 migrants approximately 100 miles south of La Restinga. The Guardamar Polimnia vessel and Helimer 204 helicopter rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, five individuals needed urgent medical evacuation, and one succumbed to their critical condition. The remaining 50 passengers were safely brought to La Restinga Pier.
Later that evening, the Salvamar Acrux intercepted another boat with 65 migrants, transferring them to El Hierro. Around the same time, Salvamar Alpheratz found a canoe near Tenerife carrying 63 sub-Saharan men who were taken to Christian Pier.
By early Friday morning, two more boats had reached El Hierro. Salvamar Adhara brought 48 migrants to shore, while Salvamar Acrux ferried 42 others to La Restinga Pier.
Since Christmas morning, the Canary Islands have seen 876 migrants arrive in this unprecedented surge, with 15 boats making landfall by Friday morning. The Spanish rescue agency continues to track additional boats en route to the islands, though details remain scarce.
These harrowing journeys underscore the perilous conditions faced by those seeking refuge, highlighting the pressing need for coordinated international action.
