Cruise Ship Rescues 68 Migrants Near Canary Islands; Five Found Dead

A cruise ship, diverted by Spanish authorities, rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a drifting dinghy near the Canary Islands. The incident highlights the perilous Atlantic route used by migrants seeking a better life in Europe. The ship, Insignia, is expected to arrive in Tenerife soon.

A cruise ship named Insignia rescued 68 migrants and discovered five bodies in a wooden dinghy drifting off the Canary Islands, according to Spain's maritime rescue agency on Thursday.

An oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the distressed boat on Wednesday, approximately 815 kilometers south of Tenerife, one of the Canaries' seven islands.

Spanish authorities redirected the Insignia to carry out the rescue. While three bodies were recovered, two were left behind due to adverse weather conditions.

Maritime rescue spokesperson highlighted the rarity of such rescues by cruise ships but noted the grave danger posed to the migrants due to their remote location.

Having departed from Mindelo in Cape Verde, the Insignia's operator, Oceania Cruises, headquartered in Miami, has not yet commented on the incident.

The rescue agency indicated that Insignia is projected to dock at Santa Cruz in Tenerife on Friday.

Increasing numbers of migrants undertake hazardous journeys from northwestern Africa to the Canary Islands, seeking better opportunities in Europe. Spain's Interior Ministry reported a record 55,618 migrant arrivals by boat last year, with over 23,000 arrivals so far this year.

As per Caminando Fronteras, over 5,000 migrants have died attempting to reach Spanish coasts this year alone, primarily via the Atlantic route, with the total reaching 6,600 last year.

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