A tragic night unfolded on the shores of the Canary Island of El Hierro as a boat being attended to by Maritime Rescue capsized in the early hours of Saturday, according to emergency sources. The boat was carrying approximately 84 people, and so far, the rescue team has been able to recover nine bodies and rescue 27 people alive off the coast of Las Playas in the municipality of Valverde. At the moment, the Helimer 201 helicopter and a Guardia Civil ship, as well as rescue vessels including Salvamar Adhara, Salvamar Mizar, Guardamar Calíope, Heroínas de Sálvora, and the Guardia Civil patrol boat Río Guadiato, are mobilized. The Center Coordinating Emergency and Security (Cecoes) of the Government of the Canary Islands informed the Maritime Rescue Center in Tenerife at 00.14 on Saturday that a distress call had been received from a boat carrying 84 people. The Guardamar Concepción Arenal was then mobilized and located a boat four nautical miles (about 7.5 kilometers) south of the port of La Estaca on El Hierro. The Guardamar Arenal later reported that the boat had capsized, but managed to rescue 27 individuals. The Salvamar Adhara has recovered nine bodies so far, including that of a teenage boy.
The boat capsized due to the occupants shifting their weight to one side, amid adverse weather conditions with 20 knot winds, complicating the nighttime rescue operation. The moment of location and rescue of the passengers is considered the most delicate part of a rescue operation and can result in tragedy, as seen in this case where at least nine people lost their lives. Between Friday and the early hours of Saturday, three boats reached El Hierro, including the capsized boat. Officials are currently searching for a fourth vessel. The first boat arrived in La Restinga around midnight, carrying a total of 131 people, including 107 men, 15 women, five children, and four infants. The second boat was the one that capsized, and a third boat arrived around 7:30 on Saturday with 20 individuals on board. Another boat with 59 people in good health had arrived on the island on Friday. Boats also reached Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, with a total of at least 415 people arriving in the Canary Islands within a 24-hour period.
More than 27,000 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands this year, with 781 reported deaths, according to the UN’s Missing Migrants program. However, these figures are believed to only represent a portion of the actual number of casualties. Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands, expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragedy and emphasized the dangerous nature of the Atlantic Route, calling for decisive action from Spain and the EU to address this ongoing crisis. He highlighted the loss of lives, including those of children, women, and men, near Europe’s southern border. The recurring tragedies in the region serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of migration and improve rescue and assistance efforts for those risking their lives to reach Europe.
The ongoing influx of migrants and the high number of fatalities underscore the significant challenges faced by those attempting the perilous journey across the Atlantic. The coordination and swift response of the rescue teams are crucial in preventing further tragedies and saving lives in emergency situations. However, the complex nature of migration flows, compounded by adverse weather conditions and overcrowded boats, poses a considerable risk to those embarking on these dangerous crossings. The continuous arrival of boats carrying migrants highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address migration, enhance border security, and provide support and protection for those in need. The devastating consequences of failed rescue attempts and the loss of lives underscore the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
