Rescue of illegal immigrants in Senegal: Details of the Dakar incident
In a new security operation reflecting the ongoing irregular migration crisis in West Africa, Senegalese security forces rescued 61 people of various nationalities who were facing imminent death by drowning in the Atlantic Ocean. The rescue took place off the coast of Mbatal, on the outskirts of the capital, Dakar, where the small boat carrying them was towed to safety.
Senegalese security authorities confirmed the details of the incident in an official statement, noting that the efforts made resulted in the survival of dozens, but the journey was not without tragedy, as one death was recorded among the passengers, highlighting the serious risks that migrants face on these unsafe sea voyages.
Trip details and technical glitch
Initial investigations and informed sources revealed that the ill-fated boat had departed from neighboring Gambia on January 3rd. The plan was to cross territorial waters to reach their intended destination, most likely the Spanish Canary Islands, as a gateway to Europe. However, the boat encountered a serious technical problem: a malfunction in its GPS system. This caused the boat to lose its course and drift at sea for days before finally ending up off the coast of Senegal.
The Atlantic route: the most dangerous route
This incident underscores once again the perilous nature of the so-called "Atlantic route," taken by migrants from the coasts of West Africa (Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania) towards the Spanish archipelago. This route is classified by international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, due to the strong ocean currents, the long distances that can take weeks, and the use of wooden fishing boats (peruges) ill-equipped for high-seas voyages and often overcrowded.
Regional dimensions and economic motives
Senegal and The Gambia are major departure points for migrants hoping to reach Europe, fleeing difficult economic conditions, unemployment, and the search for a better life. Despite significant efforts by the Senegalese government, in collaboration with international partners such as the European Union, to strengthen coastal surveillance and dismantle smuggling networks, the attempts continue unabated. Authorities face considerable logistical challenges in monitoring the long coastline, making interception and rescue operations arduous daily tasks for the navy and security forces.
This incident is not isolated, but rather part of a series of similar incidents that the region has witnessed recently, which calls for strengthening regional and international cooperation not only in the security aspect, but also in addressing the economic and social roots that drive young people to risk their lives in death boats.
