08.11.2026 17:51
A boat carrying irregular migrants capsized off the city of Kebemer in northern Senegal, and 34 people lost their lives. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
34 people lost their lives after a boat carrying irregular migrants capsized in northern Senegal.
BODIES OF 34 PEOPLE RECOVERED
According to the Senegal News Agency (APS), a boat carrying irregular migrants trying to travel to Europe illegally capsized off the city of Kebemer in the north of the country. It was learned that the bodies of 34 people were recovered in the incident, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
"THE ROUTE WAS THE CANARY ISLANDS"
It is estimated that the boat was trying to reach the Canary Islands, Europe's closest territory to Africa, also passing Mauritania.
Reaching the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain, from Senegal takes 4 to 7 days depending on the departure point. This journey, which begins on the open sea, usually results in makeshift boats carrying hundreds of people capsizing off the coast of Mauritania.
The phrase "Barça wala Barshak," which means "Either Spain or death" in the local Wolof language, also reveals the risk Senegalese youth take to reach Europe.
3,090 IRREGULAR MIGRANTS DIED LAST YEAR
In a report published in December 2025 by the Spanish nongovernmental organization (NGO) Caminando Fronteras, it was stated that 3,090 irregular migrants, most of whom set out from the coasts of North and West Africa to try to reach the Spanish coast, lost their lives in 2025.
Caminando Fronteras warned that the Canary Islands "continue to be the deadliest destination" for irregular migrants, and that boats departing from Guinea, which have increased recently, are "much longer and more dangerous" for women and children.