260 migrants arrived in the Canaries and Balearics
A total of 196 migrants, distributed across two vessels, arrived on the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands. The first vessel to arrive at the port of La Restinga was carrying 175 people, including 13 minors and seven women. A few hours later, a second vessel carrying 21 migrants docked at the same port.
The occupants of these vessels, coming from various West African countries, endured long sea journeys, one lasting seven days, from Senegal to the Canary Islands. However, it wasn't just El Hierro that received migrants; in the Balearic Islands, four vessels carrying 64 people also reached different islands.
These waves of migrants have become worrying, as they reveal the growing desperation of thousands of people who, fleeing poverty, violence, or instability in their home countries, risk their lives on dangerous journeys to Europe.
Pressure on the Canary and Balearic Islands is increasing as more boats arrive, challenging the response capabilities of local authorities and highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian and political solutions to manage this migratory flow with dignity and effectiveness.
Arrivals in the Canaries
The first vessel to dock on El Hierro brought 175 people who had departed from the port of M'Bour, Senegal. The crossing, which lasted seven days, included people from Mali, Mauritania, and Gambia.
Among the occupants were 13 minors and seven women, five of whom, including a pregnant woman, had to be taken to the Hospital Insular Virgen de los Reyes for medical care.
Shortly thereafter, a second vessel, also from Senegal, arrived at the port of La Restinga with 21 people on board. Among the migrants, who reported a six-day journey from Dakar, were individuals from Gambia, Senegal, and Cameroon.
All occupants were transferred to the Temporary Reception Center for Foreigners (CATE), located in San Andrés, in the municipality of Valverde. There, they are being assisted by members of the NGO "Corazón Laranja – Ebria Sonko" and remain in the custody of local authorities until they are transferred to other centers outside the island.
It is estimated that around 70 migrants will arrive in the Canary Islands this year alone.
Arrivals in the Balearics
A total of 64 migrants also arrived in the Balearic Islands, arriving on four different boats. The first group, consisting of 17 people of Maghrebi origin, was located in S'Estanyol, in the south of Mallorca, around 08:00 a.m. local time.
A few hours later, 19 migrants, also from North Africa, were found walking along the PM 820 highway in Formentera, after disembarking from another boat.
In Ibiza, 21 migrants were rescued 800 meters west of the island of Conejera, and later, on the southeast coast of Mallorca, seven North Africans were sighted near the port of Cala d'Or. The latter were apparently in good health. The previous Saturday, six migrants were found at Cap de Barberia, in Formentera, after washing ashore.
So far this year, at least 170 boats carrying a total of 2.256 people have arrived in the Balearics. In 2023, the count indicated the arrival of 128 vessels carrying 2.278 migrants to the Mediterranean islands.
Conclusion
The steady arrival of migrants to the Canary and Balearic Islands reflects the persistence of migration routes in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. These perilous crossings, lasting days and involving great risks, remain a reality for those who, despite the challenges and dangers inherent in these journeys, seek better living conditions in Europe.
The response of authorities and humanitarian organizations has been crucial in ensuring immediate shelter and assistance for these people who arrive exhausted after facing the treacherous waters of the ocean.
What do you think about this humanitarian problem, the constant arrival of migrants to these islands? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
Picture: © 2023 DR
