69 Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Moroccan Coast

69 Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Moroccan Coast

By Fly Cable News

At least 69 migrants, including 25 Malians, lost their lives after a makeshift boat en route to Spain from West Africa sank off Morocco’s coast, Mali’s authorities confirmed.

Details of the Tragedy:
– Passengers: The boat carried about 80 people; only 11 survived.
– Survivors: Nine survivors are Malian nationals, according to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad.
– Timing: The incident occurred last week but was formally confirmed on Thursday.

Mali’s Crisis and Migration:
– Instability: Mali continues to grapple with political turmoil, jihadist violence, and separatist uprisings following two military coups in 2020 and 2021.
– Hardship: Economic challenges and climate change effects on agriculture have forced many Malians to seek opportunities abroad, often risking dangerous sea routes.

Deadly Atlantic Route:
– Risk: The Atlantic migration path from West Africa to Spain is one of the most perilous in the world.
– Statistics: Spanish human rights group Caminando Fronteras reports over 10,000 migrant deaths on this route in 2024, averaging 30 fatalities daily.
– Proximity: At its closest point, Morocco is just 8 nautical miles (14 kilometers) from Spain, making it a common yet hazardous crossing for migrants seeking better lives.

Authorities in Mali have dispatched a crisis unit to monitor the situation and assist the affected families.