In the last two days, Spanish rescuers have undertaken a monumental effort, saving and safely unloading over 400 migrants and asylum seekers who embarked on treacherous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Canary Islands from West Africa.
Led by Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service, these heroic rescuers have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment, braving perilous conditions to save lives at sea. On Tuesday alone, they orchestrated the rescue of more than 130 individuals hailing from North and West Africa, among them women and young children, ensuring their safe arrival at the Spanish islands of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
While Spanish rescuers have been at the forefront of these life-saving operations, collaborative efforts with humanitarian organizations like Alarm Phone have been instrumental in coordinating responses and providing critical support to those in distress. Alarm Phone, a humanitarian network dedicated to aiding migrants in difficulty, reported on Tuesday that the Moroccan Royal Navy had intercepted and rescued 20 individuals stranded in the ocean on Monday, a rescue subsequently confirmed by Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service.
Tragically, the journey across the Atlantic is fraught with danger, exacerbated by smugglers who exploit desperate migrants, subjecting them to perilous voyages on overloaded and unsafe boats. Smugglers, operating from various points along the West African coast including Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, and the Gambia, have increasingly turned to the Atlantic route as a means of transporting migrants to the Canary Islands.
Despite the risks, more than 18,000 individuals have undertaken this hazardous journey to reach the Canary Islands since the beginning of the year, highlighting the urgency of addressing the underlying factors driving migration and ensuring safe and legal avenues for asylum seekers. Moreover, the treacherous nature of the Atlantic route is underscored by the alarming number of fatalities and disappearances reported by the UN’s migration agency, which, though estimated at around 900 this year, is believed to be a mere fraction of the actual toll.
As rescue operations continue in the Canary Islands and beyond, it is imperative for the international community to redouble its efforts in addressing the root causes of migration, combating human trafficking, and providing assistance and protection to those in need. Only through concerted action and solidarity can we prevent further tragedies at sea and uphold the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their migration status
Source: apnews.com
