Senegal Boat Tragedy: 26 Dead as Migrant Vessel Capsizes

The captain of a migrant boat that capsized off Senegal has been arrested as the death toll rises to 26. Cheikh Sall, the boat's owner and captain, surrendered to authorities. The vessel, en route to Europe, capsized near Mbour. Migrant departures from West Africa are increasing, leading to tragic outcomes.

Authorities in Senegal have arrested the captain of a migrant boat that capsized off the coast, claiming 26 lives. The incident involved Cheikh Sall, the boat's owner and captain, who turned himself in on Monday, according to Amadou Diop, the district's prefect. The death toll was confirmed by Senegal's navy on Tuesday via the social media platform X.

The artisanal fishing boat set off from Mbour, roughly 80 kilometers south of Dakar, aiming for Europe before it capsized just a few miles off the coast. The route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has seen a significant surge in migrant traffic, driven by conflict, poverty, and lack of opportunities in the region.

This year alone, over 22,300 people have landed in the Canary Islands, marking a 126% increase from the previous year. In addition, Senegalese authorities recently apprehended 453 migrants and smugglers in a coastal patrol operation. The dangerous Atlantic route continues to be one of the deadliest, with many vessels disappearing without a trace.

(With inputs from agencies.)