A migrant boat bound for Spain sank off the Moroccan coast, leaving 69 people missing and 11 survivors, according to an official statement from the Malian government.

The ill-fated vessel, carrying 80 migrants, included 25 young Malian nationals among the victims. Of the 11 rescued individuals, nine are Malian citizens, as detailed in the government’s report.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by thousands of migrants attempting to cross from Africa to Europe. Many make the dangerous journey in precarious, makeshift boats.

A Deadly Year for Migration

The year 2024 has been marked as the deadliest on record for migrant crossings, with over 10,400 lives lost on routes to Spain, particularly to the Canary Islands, as reported by the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras. This equates to an average of 30 deaths daily.

Despite the proximity of the Canary Islands—just 100 kilometers from North Africa at their closest point—traffickers frequently opt for perilous routes to evade detection. These routes often involve venturing far into the Atlantic Ocean before turning toward the islands. Departures are sometimes made from locations up to 1,000 kilometers away, adding to the risks posed by strong ocean currents and poorly equipped vessels.

Challenges at Home

The tragedy also underscores the dire circumstances in Mali, where ongoing security issues since 2012 have driven many to flee. The country faces persistent threats from al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups, separatist movements, and criminal networks.

Since 2014, over 16,400 migrants have died attempting to reach Europe from Africa, including those using the Canary Islands route, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration.

The Malian government’s statement expressed condolences for the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the root causes of migration. However, this latest disaster sheds light on the urgent need for international cooperation to ensure safer migration pathways and address the conditions driving individuals to undertake such dangerous journeys.