In 2024, 10,457 people died or disappeared attempting to reach Spain via irregular sea routes, marking a record high and a 58% increase from 2023, according to the NGO Caminando Fronteras.
Most victims (9,757) were en route to the Canary Islands, driven by stricter EU migration controls in the Mediterranean and conflict in Mali. Migrants undertake perilous Atlantic journeys in overcrowded boats, facing engine failures, hunger, dehydration, and hypothermia. Critics blame Spain and the EU for prioritizing border security over migrant safety, pushing people to more hazardous routes.
The EU’s reliance on non-EU countries like Libya and Morocco for border enforcement has also sparked allegations of human rights abuses.
The Canary Islands recorded 46,843 arrivals in 2024, straining local resources, especially for unaccompanied minors. Recent rescues highlight the ongoing crisis, with over 360 migrants saved in a single day. Despite government efforts to regulate migration, NGOs argue Spain’s policies increase risks and leave migrant families in limbo, as most victims’ remains are never recovered.
