Mbour, Senegal – At least 12 people are confirmed dead after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Joal, in the Mbour region south of Dakar. Senegalese authorities have recovered the bodies and rescued approximately 30 individuals, according to initial reports.
The vessel, a traditional pirogue, had embarked on a perilous journey towards the Spanish Canary Islands before overturning early Wednesday morning. The exact number of passengers remains unknown, but local newspaper reports suggest that as many as 200 people may have been on board, raising concerns about a potentially higher death toll and the number of missing persons.
The deceased have been transported to the Joal mortuary, while the survivors are being held at the National Guard headquarters. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The sea route between West Africa and the Canary Islands has become a prominent, yet incredibly dangerous, path for irregular migration to Europe. This incident underscores the deadly risks associated with these journeys.
The route has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. While the number of arrivals to the Canary Islands has decreased significantly in 2025 compared to the previous year, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of migration attempts.
Authorities are continuing their search and rescue efforts, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
