The number of migrants making the dangerous sea crossing from Africa to the Canary Islands has dramatically increased, with a 160% jump recorded between January and July compared to the same period last year, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry. Recently, four boats carrying more than 300 migrants arrived at Gran Canaria in less than 24 hours. One wooden boat carrying 64 people arrived unassisted, with 11 individuals needing hospitalization, including four in critical condition. Another boat carrying 145 people was escorted by the Maritime Safety and Rescue Society, with everyone on board reported to be in good physical condition.
Overall, almost 20,000 people have made this perilous sea crossing to the Canary Islands in the first seven months of the year, while overall sea arrivals to Spain, including the mainland, have risen by 88% to around 25,300 people. Frontex, the European border control agency, reports a 303% increase in irregular crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands from January to May compared to a year ago. The high number of unaccompanied minors arriving at the Canary Islands has also put a strain on relevant services, with almost 6,000 immigrant children reportedly in the archipelago. This growing migration route to Europe is causing concern and highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address the influx of migrants arriving by sea.
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