MADRID — A report released by a Spanish migration advocacy group indicated that over 10,000 migrants have lost their lives attempting to reach Spain via sea in 2024.
This statistic translates to an alarming average of about 30 fatalities each day during the year, according to Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders).
The organization further noted that this represents a 58% increase in deaths compared to the previous year.

Numerous migrants departed from West Africa in 2024, making their way toward the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located near the African mainland that has increasingly turned into a gateway to continental Europe.
Caminando Fronteras reported that the majority of the 10,457 fatalities documented up to December 15 occurred on the perilous Atlantic route, which is recognized as one of the world’s deadliest migrant crossings.

The organization gathers its data from the families of migrants and official records of those who have survived. Among the deceased, the report identifies 1,538 children and 421 women.
It pointed out that the months of April and May were particularly tragic, recording the highest number of deaths.

Caminando Fronteras also observed a noticeable rise in the number of boats departing from Mauritania in 2024, identifying it as the primary launch point for journeys to the Canary Islands.
In response to the crisis, Spain committed 210 million euros (approximately $218 million) in February to Mauritania aimed at bolstering efforts against human trafficking and curtailing illegal boat departures.

According to Spain’s interior ministry, more than 57,700 migrants successfully arrived by sea to the country by mid-December 2024, marking a roughly 12% increase compared to the same time frame last year.
The majority of these arrivals utilized the Atlantic route during their journey.