At least five dead, dozens more feared lost after boat found adrift off Canary Islands
A Spanish migrant rights NGO says a boat that left Gambia 27 days ago was found adrift with five bodies aboard, and more than 80 people are believed to have died during the crossing.
A Spanish non-governmental organisation focused on migrant rights has reported that a boat carrying migrants, which departed Gambia 27 days ago, was discovered drifting near the Canary Islands with five people found dead on board.
According to the organisation, the vessel is believed to have carried more than 80 people in total, and given the nearly month-long duration of the voyage, the majority of those aboard are feared to have died during the journey.
The incident draws renewed attention to the perilous Atlantic migration route from West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands, which has become one of the most frequently used — and most dangerous — pathways into Europe in recent years. The crossing takes place on open ocean, often in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats, making it especially vulnerable to breakdowns, fuel shortages or lack of drinking water.
No detailed information has yet been made public regarding the number of survivors, their condition, or any investigation into the boat's route and the circumstances that left it adrift.
