UN alerts to shipwrecks on Atlantic route

A uN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) today admitted to be concerned about the recent wrecks on the Atlantic route, between Senegal and the Canary Islands, in Spain, in a context where the arrivals in the archipelago five times over 2025.

“ The situation in that part of the world is extremely worrying, and the UNHCR is deeply dismayed by the tragic loss of lives on the coast of Senegal,” said the agency’s spokesman, Matthew Saltmarsh, at a press conference.

Recalling that this week at least 30 people were killed following the sinking of a vessel carrying migrants off the coast of Senegal, and the death of seven others on another boat headed for the Spanish island of Lanzarote, the UNHCR spokesperson considered tragedies as warnings.

“ This is yet another painful reminder of the dangers faced by many people on the Atlantic route and the urgent need for collective action to prevent more deaths,” he said.

According to Matthew Saltmarsh, about 6,300 people have arrived in the Canary Islands since October, aboard 65 vessels, an increase of 417% compared to the same period last year and the largest monthly number of arrivals in the archipelago since 2024.

“ The route is one of the most dangerous in the world and is used by many people from countries affected by conflict, violence and instability, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan and Somalia,” said Saltmarsh.

The spokesman also indicated that the UNHCR continues to support the Spanish authorities in implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, “monitoring the situation to contribute to effective access to territory and international protection.”.

The pact, which entered into force in the European Union in June, lays down stricter rules for border control, including accelerated procedures for examining requests and triggering returns, in addition to a mandatory solidarity system whereby countries refusing to accept asylum seekers will have financial compensation.