More than 10,400 immigrants drowned or lost at sea in their attempt to reach the Spain from the beginning of 2024, as this year saw a record number of arrivals in the Canary Islands archipelago, according to a report released today by the Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras.

This number is equivalent to 30 deaths dailyon average, from January 1 to December 15, notes the organization, which informs port authorities of the presence of ships in danger.

The number of victims is 58% higher than that recorded last year: Caminando Fronteras recorded 6,618 dead or missing migrants in 2023, on all migration routes to Spain.

According to her report, among the victims were 421 women and 1,538 children and adolescents. “These numbers prove the failure of the rescue and protection systems” of migrants, complained Elena Maleno, the coordinator of the NGO, speaking of an “unacceptable tragedy”. He asked among other things “prioritize the protection of the right to life, strengthen search and rescue operations and give justice to victims and their families.”

The immigrants came from 28 countriesmostly African, but many also came from Iraq or Pakistan. Most victims (9,757) were recorded on the migratory route of the Atlantic Ocean, i.e. from the north-west coast of Africa to the Canary Islands. On this route, dozens of migrants in seven boats were spotted and rescued yesterday, on Christmas Day.

Based on data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior 60,216 migrants arrived in the Canaries from the beginning of January to the middle of December, a number increased by 14.5% compared to last year. The authorities of the archipelago have sounded the alarm, stating that they are unable to manage the situation and in particular the arrival of thousands of unaccompanied minors.