Migrant Boat Sinking off Senegal Coast Leaves Dozens Dead and Missing

At least 34 people died after a boat carrying migrants toward the Canary Islands capsized off the coast of Senegal on Saturday, according to the Senegalese Press Agency.

The Senegalese interior ministry confirmed that one survivor was rescued from the vessel, which sank near the Loumpoul dunes in the Kebemer department, located between Dakar and Saint-Louis.

While the interior ministry reported 21 bodies had been recovered by Saturday evening, the Senegalese Press Agency and the group Action for Human Rights and Friendship cited a higher death toll of 34.

The incident represents the latest loss of life on the Atlantic route, where thousands of migrants have died in recent years attempting to reach Spanish territory from West Africa.

Saliou Diouf, the founder of the migrant aid group Boza Fii, said that all the bodies recovered so far were Senegalese.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged citizens to avoid the risks associated with sea crossings.

"We will relentlessly continue the fight against those who organise these crossings and the work that gives our young people reasons to hope here," said President Faye.

Local media reports indicated that many of the victims originated from the Leona and Thieppe districts within the Kebemer department.

The sinking occurred as authorities in the Spanish Canary Islands declared an emergency following the arrival of more than 3,300 people aboard 30 boats since the beginning of November.

Separately, Senegalese police intercepted another boat on Friday carrying 142 migrants, including 23 women and four children, who were attempting to reach Spain.

The government stated it intends to combat smuggling networks through increased cooperation with neighboring countries, though the total number of people missing from the capsized boat remains unconfirmed.