In a tragic accident, at least 69 people, including 25 from Mali, died when a boat carrying about 80 migrants on their way to Spain sank off the coast of Morocco. According to the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, only 11 people were rescued from the accident.
The incident occurred on December 19, and the ministry explained that it gathered information through communication with Mali's embassies in Morocco and Mauritania, as well as coordination with the victims' families and local officials in the areas where survivors were found. The ministry also confirmed that it has set up a crisis cell to monitor the situation and provide ongoing updates.
Reports indicate that 2024 has seen a marked increase in the number of migrant deaths, with nearly 5,000 people losing their lives at sea during the first five months of the year while attempting to reach Spain.