'Ruim 1300 migranten omgekomen of vermist op routes naar Spanje'

In the first five months of this year, over 1,300 migrants have died or gone missing while attempting to reach Spain, according to the Spanish aid organization Caminando Fronteras. This figure includes 129 children, and at least 27 boats are believed to have vanished with all passengers. The organization attributes these tragedies to various factors, including severe weather, unseaworthy vessels, and inadequate rescue operations, alongside panic and violence aboard the boats. While the number of arrivals to the Canary Islands has decreased significantly, the proportion of fatalities on the journey has increased, indicating a more perilous crossing.

This situation highlights the escalating dangers faced by migrants seeking to reach Europe and underscores the urgent need for safer migration pathways and more effective rescue efforts.