Military authorities have reported the discovery of at least 30 decomposing bodies aboard a boat off the coast of Senegal.
The navy was alerted to a drifting vessel approximately 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Dakar, leading to the recovery of the wooden canoe, or pirogue, on Monday morning.
According to a military statement on X, the advanced decomposition of the bodies has complicated recovery and identification efforts.
This incident coincides with a rising number of migrants departing from Senegal toward Spain’s Canary Islands a perilous journey of over 1,500 kilometers (950 miles) across the Atlantic.
Given the condition of the bodies, it is likely that the migrants had been adrift for several days before being discovered by fishermen.
Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the boat’s departure time and location, as well as the number of individuals on board.
In August, 14 decomposing bodies believed to belong to Senegalese migrants were found off the coast of the Dominican Republic by a local fisherman.
In response to the surge in migrant-related fatalities, Senegal’s government announced a 10-year plan in August to combat illegal migration.
Authorities have intercepted hundreds of migrants attempting to make the journey in recent weeks.
Despite the dangers, factors such as unemployment, conflict, and poverty continue to drive young men to risk the treacherous route from West Africa to the Canary Islands.
Some local fishermen have reported that foreign trawlers have depleted fish stocks, leaving them unable to sustain their livelihoods.
Consequently, many turn to migration or offer their boats to people smugglers.
The Canary Islands route has become increasingly popular among young West African migrants, as it allows for a single, albeit hazardous, crossing, avoiding the need to navigate both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
Frontex, the European border agency, noted a staggering 161% increase in crossings along the Atlantic route in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The UN reported that around 40,000 migrants successfully reached the Canary Islands last year, but nearly 1,000 are known to have died or gone missing during the journey, with the true figure likely being much higher.
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