Recently, a group of 136 African migrants heading to Europe were rescued by emergency responders from a boat near the Canary island of El Hierro.
El Hierro, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, is known as the second-smallest and southernmost island in the Canary archipelago.
The migrants were safely brought to La Restinga port in Spain by a Spanish sea search and rescue agency’s vessel.
In light of the increasing migrant arrivals, Spain’s Prime Minister is embarking on a three-day visit to West Africa, including Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal, to address the ongoing migration crisis.
Spain’s coastguard has been actively rescuing African migrants attempting the dangerous journey to the Canary Islands, prompting calls for more assistance from the islands’ government.
The European Union is being urged to provide additional support to alleviate the migratory pressure faced by the Canary Islands and Spain as they serve as transit points for migrants heading to other European countries.
The number of migrant arrivals in Spain, particularly in the Canary Islands, has significantly increased this year compared to previous years, with expectations of further rises as the weather conditions become more favorable for travel across the Atlantic.
Despite the risks associated with the Atlantic route, including strong currents and unsafe vessels, the influx of migrants continues, with concerns of the Canary Islands reaching a breaking point due to the high number of arrivals.
Additionally, other parts of Spain, such as the enclave of Ceuta, are also experiencing a notable surge in migrant arrivals in recent times.