MADRID, Nov 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Canary region government (Spain) said that since the beginning of the year, a total of 31,933 people have illegally migrated from West Africa to this archipelago on boats, surpassing the previous record (31,678 people) recorded in 2006.
Speaking to the press, Fernando Clavijo – head of the Canary region – said the figures show the scale of the humanitarian crisis facing the archipelago and called for help from the Spanish Government. and the European Union (EU).
The number of people arriving in the Canaries has recently soared due to milder weather and calmer seas since September.
The archipelago, located about 100km off the west coast of Africa, has become a major destination for migrants. Migrants from Senegal and other African countries are trying to reach Spain to flee conflict or seek a better life.
Also on Sunday, Italian officials announced that the country’s coast guard had rescued 531 migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Libya.
Specifically, a fishing boat carrying 531 migrants arrived at Lampedusa island on the night of Nov 4 after being rescued and escorted by the Italian coast guard. The 25m long fishing boat, departing from Zuwarah in Libya, carried 531 migrants, including 5 women and 6 children, most originating from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Migrants and refugees said each person had to pay from 4,000 to 7,000 USD for this sea crossing. — NNN-AGENCIES
