Over 10,000 migrants died in 2024 on the dangerous path to Spain!

Over 10,000 migrants died in 2024 on the dangerous path to Spain!

Shocking numbers: Over 10,000 migrants died on the way to Spain!

A year full of tragedies! In 2024, the history books will go into the year in which more than 10,000 migrants lost their lives while trying to reach Spain over the sea. This frightening balance was published by the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras (walking borders) and has been the highest number since the start of the records in 2007.

On average, frightening 30 people died per day! These alarming numbers show that the dangerous crossing via the Atlantic, which is considered one of the most risky routes in the world, is becoming increasingly fatal. The NGO reports that the total number of deaths rose by 58 percent compared to the previous year.

The dangerous journey through the Atlantic

thousands of migrants broke up from West Africa in 2024 to reach the Canary Islands - a Spanish archipelago that increasingly serves as a springboard to Europe. From the 10,457 deaths recorded until December 15th, most of the most of the death took place along this dangerous route. The organization covered the figures from reports from families and official statistics from rescued. Among the victims were 1,538 children and 421 women.

The months of April and May were particularly devastating, as the report stated. The NGO is responsible for the use of dilapidated boats and the increasingly dangerous routes, as well as the insufficient capacity of the sea rescue services, which led to this increase in deaths.

"These numbers are proof of the profound failure of the rescue and protection systems. More than 10,400 dead or missing in a single year are an unacceptable tragedy," said the founder of the organization, Helena Maleno, in a statement.

The background of migration

The victims came from 28 nations, mainly from Africa, but also from Iraq and Pakistan. Many migrants, including women, experience violence, discrimination, racism, deportations and sexual violence before they leave.

The NGO also recorded a “strong increase” of the boats, which made Mauritania in 2024, which made this place a main departure place on the way to the Canary Islands. On Wednesday, the first day of Christmas, seven migrant boats landed in the archipelago, as Spain's sea rescue Service announced on the social platform X.

In February, Spain promised 210 million euros ($ 218 million) to help for Mauritania to take action against human dealers and prevent the descents of boats. The Canaries are 100 km (62 miles) off the coast of North Africa at their next point, with the shortest route between the coastal city of Tarfaya in South Morocco and the island of Fuerteventura. But the crossing over the Atlantic is particularly dangerous due to strong currents.