59 migrants perish in tragic boat sinking off Laayoune coast

A total of 59 would-be migrants died when a rubber boat sank off the coast of Laayoune while attempting to reach the Canary Islands, according to the organization «Caminando Fronteras».

In a post shared on «X», Spanish activist Helena Maleno, founder of the NGO focused on migrant affairs, stated, «Only two women survived the sinking of a boat that led to the death of 59 people, including 14 women, one girl, and two babies. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands continues to claim lives».

‼️TRAGEDIA‼️
Solo dos mujeres supervivientes en un naufragio que se ha cobrado la vida de 59 personas, entre ellas 14 mujeres, una niña y dos bebés. La ruta Atlántica hacia Canarias sigue destrozando vidas.

— Helena Maleno Garzón (@HelenaMaleno) September 26, 2024

Maleno explained to the Spanish news agency «EFE» that two women were found floating on the wreckage of the boat by fishermen after they had set off for Lanzarote (Spain) from Tan Tan (Morocco). The Moroccan authorities transferred them to Laayoune hospital.

«Caminando Fronteras» reported being notified on Sunday about the boat's departure to the Canary Islands but had not received any updates since.

Last week, maritime rescue services saved 1,103 people from 20 rubber boats and a traditional boat en route to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, according to Red Cross statistics.