BAMAKO, Mali — Recent reports indicate that nearly 70 migrants lost their lives when their vessel capsized while attempting to reach Spain earlier this month. Mossa Ag Attaher, the Minister for Malians Living Abroad, shared these details in a press release issued on Thursday.

The tragic incident occurred on December 19, when the boat that had set sail for Spain contained around 80 migrants at its inception. However, only 11 individuals survived the ordeal, as stated by the Malian Ministry. Among those who managed to endure the harrowing experience, nine were confirmed to be Malians, while the minister further revealed that 25 young Malians had tragically been identified among the deceased.

The perilous Atlantic route taken by migrants from West African countries toward the Canary Islands remains one of the most dangerous in the world. The archipelago, situated closer to Africa than the Spanish mainland, serves as a gateway for many seeking to reach mainland Europe. A significant number of these migrants come from nations such as Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania, driven by aspirations for employment opportunities or fleeing conflict and instability in their homelands.

Reports suggest that several Malian victims originated from the Kayes region in western Mali. Doulaye Keita, an adviser to the ministry, confirmed this information in a statement released on Friday.

Mamadou Siby, the mayor of Marena—a commune situated in the Kayes region—revealed an alarming detail regarding the fatalities. He noted, “Among the 25 Malians dead, there are 8 Malians from my commune.” Siby recounted that these young men had departed seven months prior, seeking work in the construction sector in Mauritania. Unfortunately, they had connected with friends living in Europe and America, who encouraged them to undertake this perilous journey, often without informing their families back in Mali.