According to Aid Group Walking Boarder (AGWB), a boat carrying 200 people left coastal town Kafountine on June 27th for Tenerifie, located about 1050 miles away. The boat went missing more than a week ago, and many Children are reported to be on the boat.
“The fishing boat sailed from Kafountine, a coastal town south of Senegal, about 1057 miles from Tenerife. With many children on board, another two similar boats carrying a dozen people is also missing,” AGWB AND Spain Efe News Agency reports.
The search for the missing boat began after an alarm was raised when it failed to reach its destination, raising concerns over the safety and well- being of the passengers on board.
The Spanish Maritime Rescue Services immediately launched a search operation, deploying helicopters, planes, and ships to search the waters off the Canary Islands.
However, according to Efe news Agency, despite their efforts, no trace of the boat or passengers have been found so far.
The Canary Islands have become a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Africa. The incident highlights the dangers and desperation faced by African migrants as they undertake these risky journeys. The lack of legal and safe migration routes pushes many to take such high-risk measures.
As the search for the missing boat continues, there is growing concern for the well-being and safety of the children, the international community is urged to prioritise the protection of migrants and take collective action to address the root causes of migration and create safe pathways for those in need.