Migrant Boat Found Near Canary Islands After 27 Days At Sea, 83 Feared Dead

At least 83 migrants are feared to have died after a boat carrying more than 100 West African migrants spent 27 days adrift in the Atlantic before being found near Spain’s Canary Islands, highlighting the deadly risks of the irregular migration route to Europe.

Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service spotted the “precarious” vessel about 120 km south of Gran Canaria on Wednesday. A total of 44 migrants were rescued, while five bodies were found inside the boat. However, strong winds and waves of around 2.5 metres prevented authorities from recovering the remains.

Three survivors were airlifted to hospital, while the remaining 41 were taken to the port of Arguineguín early Thursday and placed under the care of the Red Cross.

All 44 survivors were men, including some minors, and came from Mali or Senegal, according to Red Cross officials. Many were severely dehydrated and disoriented, with some collapsing or vomiting after reaching land.

Survivors told aid workers that the boat had departed Gambia on August 7 and remained at sea for nearly a month. With food and water running out, passengers reportedly became sick after drinking seawater.

They said around 127 people, including women and a baby, had initially been aboard. As passengers died during the journey, survivors said bodies were thrown into the ocean.

Helena Maleno, founder of migrant-rights group Caminando Fronteras, said 83 people had died, including three women and a baby. The figure is based on information from survivors and families of missing migrants and has not been independently confirmed by Spanish authorities.

The Atlantic crossing from West Africa to the Canary Islands remains one of Europe’s deadliest migration routes, with migrants facing dangerous seas, dehydration, starvation and prolonged exposure while travelling in overcrowded boats.

The latest tragedy has renewed concerns over the human cost of irregular migration and the desperate conditions driving people to attempt the perilous journey.