Tragic Discovery: Over 80 Migrants Found Dead Near Canary Islands

A devastating scene unfolded off the Canary Islands as authorities recovered at least 80 deceased individuals, including a baby, from a small boat that had been lost at sea for 26 days. The vessel, believed to have originated from Gambia, was carrying around 128 people when it was found.

Rescue efforts led to the recovery of 45 survivors and five bodies, as reported by Spain's EFE Noticias. The survivors recounted to the Red Cross that they had embarked on this perilous journey with hopes of reaching the Canary Islands.

This tragic incident highlights the increasing dangers faced by migrants on the western Africa to Canary Islands route, which has seen a staggering 480% rise in fatalities from 2019 to 2025. According to the Migration’s Missing Migrants Project, 202 individuals lost their lives in 2019, a number that surged to 1,172 in 2025.

Source: www.independent.co.uk