Tragic Boat Disaster Off Cape Verde Leaves at Least 60 Migrants Presumed Dead
At least 60 migrants are feared dead after a devastating boat disaster off the coast of Cape Verde, according to the International Organization on Migration (IOM). The incident occurred as the boat was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands, a popular gateway to Europe, with a total of 101 people on board.
So far, only 38 survivors, including four children, have been rescued. Tragically, seven people have been confirmed dead, and an additional 56 are still missing, bringing the estimated death toll to 63. However, another organization, the Spanish human rights NGO Caminando Fronteras, claims that 92 people have lost their lives, suggesting that a total of 130 individuals were on board.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the boat disaster remain unclear. However, an IOM spokesperson has highlighted the inherent dangers faced by those stranded at sea for extended periods, including the risk of hypothermia and dehydration.
The ill-fated boat embarked on its journey from the Senegalese coast on July 10 and was rescued on August 15. It is uncertain whether the migrants were intending to reach Cape Verde or the Canary Islands as their final destination.
Cape Verde, an island chain located approximately 570 kilometers off the western coast of Africa, has recently seen a surge in the number of immigrants arriving. The country has transitioned from a lower- to a middle-income nation, attracting migrants seeking better opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Canary Islands have become a favored destination for migrants from West Africa who are striving to reach Europe. Up until August 15, a total of 9,864 migrants had arrived by boat this year. While this number represents a 4.7% decline compared to the same period in 2020, the dangerous journey across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean still claims numerous lives.
As investigations into the boat disaster continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants seeking a better future. The international community must work together to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals risking their lives in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
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