Senegal’s naval forces have reported that it intercepted two large canoes carrying over 420 illegal migrants a day after a boat accident that occurred off the coast of the West African country, leading to the death of at least nine individuals.
On Monday, a naval offshore patrol vessel rescued 421 illegal migrants, including 20 children. They did not disclose the location where the two large motorised open canoes (pirogues) were intercepted nor did it specify the nationality of the individual on board.
According to the Navy, a pirogue “involved in irregular emigration” capsized off the coast of the western town of Mbour on Sunday and was recovered on Monday. Nine people died and others remain unaccounted for.
The identifiable victims were primarily from Mbour, a significant fishing port, as stated by local official Amadou Diop, as reported by the APS Senegalese news agency.
Senegal’s coasts serve as one of the primary departure points for numerous migrants en route to Europe.
The Atlantic route is notably treacherous due to powerful currents, resulting in thousands of fatalities and disappearances annually on overcrowded and often unseaworthy vessels.
Spain’s Canary Islands have witnessed over 22,000 migrant arrivals so far this year, more than double the figure from the previous year.