Boat Sinks in Morocco Waters, 69 Dead

At least 69 individuals, including 25 Malians, have perished after a vessel headed for Spain from West Africa capsized near Morocco, as confirmed by Mali’s authorities.

The “makeshift vessel” was carrying around 80 passengers, yet only 11 managed to survive, according to a statement from the Ministry of Malians Abroad. At least nine of those survivors hail from Mali.

The boat capsized last week, but the ministry confirmed the occurrence on Thursday.

A crisis team has been sent to oversee the situation, it stated.

Mali has endured years of jihadist and separatist turmoil, leading to military coups in 2020 and 2021.

The junta vowed to conduct elections to restore civilian governance by March 2024, but this has yet to materialize.

The prevailing instability in the nation, due to widespread jihadist activity, has rendered much of the north and east unmanageable.

Joblessness and the impact of climate change on agriculture have compelled many to seek better opportunities in Europe.

However, the journey is fraught with danger.

As reported by the Spanish rights organization, Caminando Fronteras, over 10,000 people have lost their lives trying to reach Spain by sea from Africa this year, establishing it as one of the most perilous migrant routes globally.

The organization noted an average of 30 fatalities per day.

This migration pathway, stretching from the Atlantic shores of Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, is viewed as one of the world’s most treacherous.

Numerous individuals undertaking this hazardous journey come from sub-Saharan Africa, fleeing poverty and conflict in their countries of origin.

Morocco lies just eight nautical miles (14km) from Spain’s mainland at its nearest point.