At least 24 individuals lost their lives off the northern coast of Senegal, Africa, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, when their vessel, bound for Europe, fell victim to the perilous waters of the Saint Louis estuary. This incident has cast a somber light on the dangerous paths migrants tread, driven by the hope of escaping poverty and unemployment.
Governor Alioune Badara Samb of the Saint Louis region disclosed to the media that the boat encountered difficulties in a notorious part of the northern coast characterized by strong currents and thick mud. The search and rescue operation that ensued led to the recovery of 24 bodies, while 21 individuals were miraculously rescued from the grips of the Atlantic.
The exact number of passengers remains uncertain, with witness accounts suggesting the boat was carrying over 300 people. Survivors, including Mamady Dianfo from Casamance in the south, and Alpha Balde, provide estimates of more than 200 to 300 migrants aboard when the vessel embarked from Senegal almost a week ago. The boat’s journey reached as far as Morocco before confusion and loss of direction compelled a return to Senegal, a decision marked by disaster.
The European Union border agency, Frontex, identifies Senegal and Morocco as predominant origins for migrants arriving on the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic and a close gateway to Europe. The journey is fraught with danger, and the grim tally by Spanish Non-Governmental Organization Caminando Fronteras highlights over 6,600 migrants who either perished or went missing in attempts to reach Spain last year, with the Atlantic route proving most lethal.
President Macky Sall of Senegal expressed his profound sorrow over the incident on X and assured his people that authorities were mobilized to provide necessary support and assistance.
Political unrest has escalated in Senegal following the postponement of elections, initially scheduled for February, by the president, leading to fatal demonstrations. Although elections are now tentatively set for June, it remains uncertain if or when the president, whose term is due to conclude in April, will relinquish his position.
A combination of factors, including high youth unemployment, political instability, and the effects of climate change, compel migrants to undertake dangerous voyages on packed boats.
