A Spanish migration rights organization has reported that over 10,000 migrants lost their lives in 2024 while attempting to reach Spain by sea. Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) released

the report on Thursday, revealing a staggering average of 30 deaths per day this year among migrants making the perilous journey by boat. The organization noted a 58% increase in fatalities compared to 2023.

Tens of thousands of migrants departed from West Africa in 2024, aiming to reach the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located near the African coast. The Atlantic route, which connects West Africa to the Canary Islands, has increasingly become a critical pathway for migrants seeking to enter continental Europe. However, Caminando Fronteras highlighted the dangers of this route, describing it as one of the deadliest migration corridors in the world.

The report documented 10,457 deaths along the Atlantic route up until December 15, including 1,538 children and 421 women. The deadliest months were April and May, according to the organization. Caminando Fronteras compiled these figures from the accounts of migrants’ families and official statistics of rescued individuals.

A sharp increase in departures from Mauritania was also observed in 2024, with the country becoming the primary launch point for boats heading toward the Canary Islands. In response, Spain committed 210 million euros (approximately $218 million) in February to assist Mauritania in combating human trafficking and preventing boats from embarking on the dangerous journey. Photo by Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia commons.