Tragedy Strikes as Migrants Die Off Senegal’s Northern Coast Trying to Reach Europe

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Tragedy Strikes as Migrants Die Off Senegal's Northern Coast Trying to Reach Europe

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At least two dozen people died off Senegal’s northern coast, and many others were injured when their boat capsized, officials said, highlighting the dangers of the route used by an increasing number of migrants seeking to reach Spain from West Africa.

The boat, bound for Europe, capsized near the town of Saint-Louis, where bodies washed ashore Wednesday afternoon, prompting the fire department’s intervention, according to Alioune Badara Sambe, the local governor.

The injured are receiving treatment at a hospital in Saint-Louis, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has been initiated, he added.

The number of migrants departing from Senegal on fragile wooden boats surged last year, with nearly 1,000 people dying while attempting to reach Spain by sea in the first six months of 2023, as reported by the Spanish migration advocacy group, Walking Borders.

Factors such as youth unemployment, political unrest, and the impact of climate change compel migrants to risk their lives on overcrowded boats.

Senegal has been thrown into turmoil as elections scheduled for February were controversially delayed by the president, leading to deadly protests. Although elections have been proposed for June, it remains unclear when or if the president, whose term officially ends in April, will step down.