A record number of 10,547 migrants died or disappeared attempting to reach Spain by sea during the year 2024, according to the Spain-based migrant rights group Caminando Fronteras, also known as Walking Borders. This figure reflects more than a 50% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring what seems to be the deadliest migratory period on record.
The organization’s "Our Right to Life 2024" report, issued on Thursday, revealed harrowing statistics featuring an average of 30 deaths per day. Among the victims were 421 women and 1,538 children and adolescents, highlighting the tragic human toll of maritime migrations across dangerous routes.
Helena Maleno, the founder of Walking Borders, stated, "These figures are evidence of a fundamental failure of rescue and protection systems. More than 10,400 people dead or missing in a single year is an unacceptable tragedy." The data collected by the group is derived from various sources, including hotlines established for migrants, family reports of missing individuals, and official rescue statistics.
Most of the fatalities – roughly 9,757 – occurred on the perilous Atlantic route, which continues to be the deadliest pathway for those trying to reach Spain’s Canary Islands. The Mauritania route has also emerged as increasingly risky, drawing attention for its significant increase in recorded tragedies. This year, 517 deaths occurred on the Algerian route, part of the Mediterranean migration crisis.
The increase in deaths is attributed to several factors including the use of flimsy boats, increasingly dangerous routes, and the inadequate capabilities of maritime rescue services. The previous year saw an average of 18 deaths per day, reflecting the worsening conditions for migrants attempting to reach European shores.
Maleno’s comments encapsulate the growing concern among human rights advocates, who argue for the prioritization of humanitarian rescue over strict border enforcement. "The right to life is being overlooked. We must focus on saving lives rather than merely policing borders," she emphasized.
The report also highlighted the geographical dynamics of migration patterns, with the Atlantic route reported as the most dangerous. The Canary Islands are situated only 100 kilometers off the coast of North Africa, yet the waters between Africa and these islands are notorious for treacherous currents and severe weather.
The situation has escalated, with Spain's Interior Ministry reporting over 57,700 migrants reached the country by boat by mid-December 2024, indicating around a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. Of those, around 70% arrived through the Atlantic route, which continues to serve as the primary gateway for migrants from Africa seeking refuge or economic opportunities within Europe.
Walking Borders has been at the forefront of documenting these incidents since it began tracking data back in 2007. The total number of deaths and disappearances reported this year marks the highest since their tracking began. The grim statistics reveal the extent of the migrant crisis and the pressing need for effective measures to safeguard lives on these hazardous journeys.
Compared to other European destinations, Spain serves as one of three primary entry points for migrants, alongside Italy and Greece. The humanitarian crisis has prompted calls for officials to reevaluate and reform the systems currently in place, and the urgency for change resonates strongly with advocacy groups devoted to migrant rights.
Despite previous efforts to improve safety and rescue operations, the situation remains catastrophic, prompting questions about the adequacy of existing measures. On Christmas Day 2024, even as other festivities were taking place, Spain’s maritime rescue service noted the arrival of several migrant boats to the Canary Islands, illustrating the continuation of perilous journeys amid rising numbers of migrants attempting to cross hostile waters.
The tragic reality outlined by Caminando Fronteras reiterates the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, including socio-economic factors and conflicts prompting people to leave their homes. Only through comprehensive strategies can the international community hope to mitigate these severe global challenges.
