At least 35 people have died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the northwestern coast of Senegal, in the latest tragedy involving people attempting to reach Europe through the dangerous Atlantic migration route.
Emergency services confirmed the death toll to AFP on Sunday, November 8, 2026, adding that only one survivor had been rescued while an undetermined number of passengers remained missing.
The death toll rose several times as rescue operations continued. An earlier statement by Senegal’s Interior Ministry reported that 21 bodies had been recovered, with one survivor.
The Senegalese Press Agency (APS) later put the death toll at 34, a figure also confirmed by Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA), before emergency services reported that the number had increased to at least 35.
An Interior Ministry source warned that the toll could rise further, describing the figures as provisional.
Media reports said the wooden boat, known locally as a pirogue, capsized on November 7 near the Loumpoul dunes in the Kebemer department, between Dakar and the northern city of Saint-Louis.
However, Saliou Diouf, founder of Senegal’s migrant support organisation, Boza Fii, told AFP that the incident occurred on November 6.
He said the nationalities of all the victims had yet to be established, although Senegalese nationals were among those recovered.
Reacting to the tragedy, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said all government authorities and available resources had been mobilised to search for missing passengers, assist survivors and support affected families.
The Interior Ministry also announced plans for the minister to visit the affected area to meet relatives of the victims and convey the government’s condolences.
The latest incident highlights the continuing dangers faced by thousands of migrants from West Africa who attempt to reach Spain’s Canary Islands through the Atlantic Ocean each year.
In a separate operation on November 6, Senegalese authorities intercepted 142 migrants aboard another small boat suspected of heading towards Spain.
The group comprised 23 women, two babies and two other children, with passengers reportedly from Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Nigeria.
Senegal’s Interior Ministry reiterated its commitment to tackling human smuggling networks through stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, authorities on Spain’s Canary Island of El Hierro declared an emergency on November 7 following a surge in migrant boat arrivals.
Since the beginning of November, more than 3,300 migrants had arrived on the island aboard approximately 30 boats, according to local authorities.
Maritime patrols have been intensified by Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco around known departure points, forcing some migrant boats to travel farther south towards The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea.
The longer journeys have increased the risks associated with the already dangerous Atlantic crossing to Europe.
(Hurriyet Daily News)
