Yesterday, a boat carrying more than a hundred migrants capsized off the coast of El Hierro island while rescuers were attempting to transfer passengers onto their rescue vessel. The tragedy resulted in seven deaths — four women and three girls.
The incident occurred in the port of El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands. According to the Spanish Maritime Rescue Service, panic broke out as passengers were being moved from the boat to the rescue ship, which was positioned between the dock and the migrants’ vessel. The boat began to rock and then capsized, throwing people into the water.
Local media report that over 100 people were on board at the time. In addition to the fatalities, two children — a boy and a girl — were airlifted to nearby hospitals in serious condition.
The Canary Islands, located off the west coast of Africa, receive tens of thousands of migrants every year hoping to reach Europe. These migrants undertake dangerous journeys on poorly equipped and overcrowded rubber boats, often resulting in tragedies.
Human rights activists from the organization Caminando Fronteras reported in a January report that over 10,000 people died on this route last year.
According to Canary Islands authorities, a record number of migrants arrived there in 2024 — more than 43,000.
In response to the increase in migration, several European Union countries are adjusting their policies. This issue is being actively discussed at the European Council level. In a letter to member states, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for speeding up deportations and establishing detention centers in third countries, following Italy’s example, which signed an agreement with Albania.
