Unseen Victims: Boat With Dozens Of Refugees Capsizes Near Morocco’s Coast, Highlighting The Need For Immediate Action

On 19 December 2024, a refugee boat carrying approximately 80 people sank near Morocco’s coast while attempting to reach Spain from North Africa. The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 69 people, with only 11 survivors. Every year, thousands of Africans risk the dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, driven by the dire conditions present in their home countries, including high unemployment, violence, and ongoing conflicts. In 2024, the Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras recorded over 10,400 crossing-related deaths, an increase of 50% compared to 2023. Concretely, this death toll translates into an average of 30 deaths per day, making 2024, the deadliest year on record for the organization that has operated since 2007.

To reach Spain, particularly the Canary Islands, migrants are often taken along the perilous Atlantic Ocean route as smugglers deliberately avoid shorter, safer paths to circumvent border controls, intentionally choosing longer and far more hazardous journeys through the Atlantic. Specifically, the currents of the Atlantic Ocean make the routes exceptionally hazardous, while the overcrowded and poorly equipped boats further exaggerate the danger. Thus, each year, thousands of migrants lose their lives when attempting these crossings.

Concerningly, a dramatic rise in the number of people risking their lives by attempting to flee from the African continent to Europe is observable. This surge is largely driven by worsening sociopolitical conditions across the continent, particularly in the Sahel region, East and Central Africa. Violence and persisting conflict in these regions have caused widespread destruction, chaos, and the loss of life. Additionally, extreme poverty, unemployment, and the escalating effects of climate change— which are estimated to displace around 86 million Africans by 2050—further force people to seek safety and opportunity abroad. Notably, this year has been particularly devastating, with a record number of crossing-related fatalities, as previously highlighted. Especially troubling is the number of children who have died—more than 1,530 have drowned in the Atlantic Ocean alone this year. Helena Maleno from the Caminando Fronteras reiterates that “these figures highlight a profound failure of rescue and protection systems,” further characterizing the current situation as “an inadmissible tragedy.” Yet, instead of prioritizing search and rescue efforts, authorities in Spain and Morocco have focused on preventing crossings. Concretely, Morocco, which increasingly acts as the “guardian of European borders”, has received substantial funding from the European Union for its coastguard operations, bolstered by Frontex, the E.U.’s Border, and Coast Guard Agency.

Hence, in light of the devastating loss of life, it is imperative for the European Union and transit countries like Morocco to shift their focus toward saving lives rather than simply enforcing borders. Equally important is addressing the root causes of migration by stabilizing the sociopolitical landscape in regions like the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa. Long-term solutions could include economic investment through F.D.I. (Foreign Direct Investment), peace mediation in conflict zones, and targeted financial aid for developmental projects. Such a comprehensive approach not only strengthens Africa’s resilience but also ensures that robust rescue operations are in place to protect those who have no choice but to flee. Essentially, relevant actors and authorities must immediately understand that those escaping dire conditions have a right to support and compassion that would safeguard their lives and futures.



Related