International Desk //

At least 26 people have died after a boat carrying migrants and refugees capsized off the coast of Senegal. Authorities said more than 100 people were on board the wooden fishing boat. Relatives and friends of the deceased gathered on the beach. They are waiting for the news of their loved ones. British media BBC reported this information in a report on Tuesday (September 10).

At least 26 people have died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Senegal, according to reports. Authorities said the wooden fishing boat had more than 100 people on board and sank just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) after setting off.

Four people have been rescued so far in this incident and search efforts are on. The boat that sank had departed from Mbor, about 80 kilometers south of the capital city of Dakar. The boat was originally headed for Spain’s Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa.

The number of migrants leaving West Africa via Senegal has increased in recent years. Most of these migrants are young people. They try to reach the Spanish islands through dangerous seas to escape from conflict, poverty and unemployment. This year, the arrival of about 30,000 migrants has been recorded in these Spanish islands. Spain is the largest recipient of immigrants among European countries.

The Mediterranean route is the most popular route for migrants to reach the country. But a growing number of West African migrants are also choosing to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Canary Islands. The boats or boats in which migrants cross the sea often have faulty engines. In addition, most of the migrants die while crossing the dangerous sea with more passengers than the capacity.