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At least 34 migrants died after a small boat sank off the northwestern coast of Senegal, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The disaster struck along the dangerous Atlantic Ocean route that thousands of West Africans attempt each year in hopes of reaching Spain’s Canary Islands. The sinking is the latest in a long series of deadly tragedies on one of the world’s most perilous migration routes.
Boat Capsizes Near Loumpoul Dunes
Media reports indicate the flat-bottomed pirogue-type vessel capsized on Saturday near the Loumpoul dunes in Kebemer department, located between Dakar and the northern city of Saint-Louis. However, Saliou Diouf, founder of Senegalese migrant aid association Boza Fii, told AFP the sinking actually occurred on Friday. The Senegalese Press Agency (APS) later confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 34, a figure also verified by the human rights group Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA).
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Earlier on Sunday, the interior ministry issued a provisional statement reporting 21 bodies recovered and only one survivor. As the search continued, that figure climbed. APS also noted that an indeterminate number of people remained missing. Diouf said the nationalities of all victims had not yet been confirmed, though he added that bodies recovered on Saturday were Senegalese.
President Faye Vows Action Against Smugglers
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye responded to the disaster on Sunday via social media. He said all state authorities and resources had been mobilised to locate missing persons, care for survivors and support affected families. He also pledged to pursue those who organise the dangerous crossings.
“No one should set out with the sea as their only horizon,” Faye wrote. “We will relentlessly continue the fight against those who organise these crossings and the work that gives our young people reasons to hope here.” The country’s interior minister also planned to visit the region to meet victims’ families and offer condolences on behalf of the state.
Broader Migration Crisis Along the Atlantic Route
The sinking reflects a wider and growing crisis along the West Africa-to-Europe migration corridor. On Friday, Senegalese authorities intercepted 142 migrants aboard a similar vessel heading toward Spain. That group included 23 women, two babies and two other children, and came from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Spanish authorities on the Canary Island of El Hierro declared an emergency on Saturday following a surge in arrivals. Since early November, more than 3,300 people had reached El Hierro aboard around 30 boats. In response to increased patrols by Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco near traditional departure points, smugglers have shifted routes further south toward Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. As a result, crossing distances have grown longer, making the already hazardous journeys even more deadly. Senegal’s interior ministry reaffirmed its commitment to combating people smuggling networks through stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries.
