A total of 389 irregular migrants have been rescued from various coasts of Spain’s Canary Islands, one of the most frequently used routes for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The Spanish rescue service conducted the operation on Monday. Most of the rescued migrants are citizens of various Sub-Saharan African countries.
Following the trend of 2024, the arrival of irregular migrants in the Canary Islands has continued this year as well. On Monday, the rescue agencies of the Canary Islands saved 389 migrants who arrived at different coasts in seven separate boats.
The survivors were transferred to the islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and El Hierro. The first boat, arriving early Monday morning, carried 56 migrants and was heading toward the port of Arrecife on Lanzarote Island.
Another boat carried 27 passengers who were also rescued. Authorities reported that an aircraft named “Sasemar 102” was deployed for the rescue mission.
Another government rescue vessel assisted 61 people on a separate boat and transported them to the La Restinga port on El Hierro Island. According to local news outlet El Diario, this group included 12 women and one minor.
Migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands have continued this year. By the end of January, nearly 618 migrants arrived on the islands within just two days. Spain’s Ministry of the Interior stated that in January 2025, a total of 4,752 irregular migrants reached the Canary coasts in 72 boats. This figure marks a 32.6% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Last year, around 47,000 migrants were provided shelter in the Canary Islands—a record-high number for this small Atlantic archipelago. For several months, the islands have been under pressure due to the strain on their reception facilities. (InfoMigrants)