More than 150 migrants are feared dead after a boat sank off the coast of Senegal while heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands. The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to Helena Maleno Garzón, head of the NGO Caminando Fronteras, who shared the news on social media on Friday. Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil reported that the vessel carried about 200 passengers, of whom 30 were rescued alive. Twelve deaths have been confirmed so far, with several victims identified by relatives.

The boat reportedly departed from the Diamniadio area of the Saloum Islands on December 22. Le Soleil said both engines failed, prompting the captain to attempt reaching a nearby beach and instructing passengers to fetch a smaller boat. Some passengers entered the water, leading to chaos and multiple drownings. Senegalese authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy.

The route to the Canary Islands is known as one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths. Caminando Fronteras estimated that around 9,757 people died on this route in 2024. Spain’s Interior Ministry said sea arrivals to the Canary Islands have significantly decreased this year compared to last year.