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Tragic Mediterranean Crossing Claims 70 Lives as Migration Crisis Intensifies

Friday 27 December 2024 - 14:40

In a devastating maritime incident off the Moroccan coast, approximately 70 migrants, including 25 Malian nationals, went missing after their vessel sank on December 19. The boat, carrying around 80 people attempting to reach Spanish territory, encountered difficulties during its journey, with only eleven survivors rescued, nine of whom were identified as Malian citizens.

This incident contributes to an unprecedented surge in migration-related casualties in 2024. Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras reports over 10,400 migrants have perished while attempting to reach Spain, averaging 30 deaths daily. The toll includes 421 women and 1,538 children and adolescents, marking 2024 as the deadliest year in recorded migration history.

The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains particularly hazardous. Despite the relatively short 100-kilometer distance between Morocco's Tarfaya and Fuerteventura, smugglers frequently choose longer routes to evade detection, significantly increasing risks for migrants.

Helena Maleno, the report's coordinator, characterized the situation as "an inadmissible tragedy," pointing to systemic failures in rescue and protection mechanisms. Meanwhile, Morocco's General Directorate of National Security reports a 2% increase in disrupted human trafficking networks, totaling 123, and the prevention of 32,449 attempted illegal migration cases.

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