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At least 30 decomposing bodies have been discovered on a boat off the coast of Senegal, according to military authorities. The navy was alerted to the presence of an adrift vessel approximately 70 km (45 miles) from Dakar. On Monday morning, they brought the wooden canoe, or pirogue, into port.
A military statement noted that “recovery, identification, and transfer operations are being made extremely delicate by the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies.”
This tragic discovery comes amid a concerning rise in the number of migrants attempting the perilous journey from Senegal to Spain’s Canary Islands, a distance of over 1,500 km (950 miles) across the Atlantic Ocean. Investigations are currently underway to determine when and where the boat departed, as well as how many individuals were on board.
In August, a local fisherman off the coast of the Dominican Republic found at least 14 decomposing bodies, believed to be those of Senegalese migrants. In response to the growing crisis, Senegal’s government announced a 10-year plan to address illegal migration, following a spike in migrant-related fatalities.
In recent weeks, authorities have intercepted hundreds of migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea. Many are fleeing poverty, conflict, or unemployment, risking their lives in treacherous waters known for strong currents. The dangers of these journeys highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the challenges faced by migrants.
