In the past 36 hours, more than 1,000 migrants have made the crossing from Africa to the Canary Islands. This is the highest number since 2006. Most migrants arrived in crowded boats and were discovered and landed by the coast guard.
In recent years, the influx of migrants to the Spanish archipelago has increased. This year, an estimated 7,500 migrants from Africa arrived, almost three times as many as in all of 2019.
After the crossing, the migrants are received by the Red Cross:
It is unclear how many refugees do not survive the crossing. The crossing of about 100 kilometers is dangerous for small boats, which sometimes float around for days. The Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid estimates that 1 in 20 people will not survive the journey.
Comprehensive answer
In 2006, tens of thousands of refugees arrived on the archipelago in a short time, from Mauritania, among others, in search of a better life. Spain then decided to make bilateral agreements with the countries of origin, including financial support. Coastal patrols were also expanded.
The Spanish Minister of Migration Escrivá says that the reception capacity is sufficient at the moment. On a visit to Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, he said that a “comprehensive answer” to the issue is underway.
The Canary authorities have announced they are working on emergency shelters, but are asking the mainland for long-term help. The Canarian Minister of Social Affairs spoke of an “appeal to interregional solidarity”.