A devastating incident has been reported from northwestern Senegal. A small pirogue-type flat-bottomed boat carrying migrants and refugees sank into the sea, claiming at least 34 lives, according to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
The Senegalese Interior Ministry announced in a statement on Sunday that only one person was rescued from the scene. Meanwhile, Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA) also confirmed the tragic death toll.
Tragedy off the dunes
Media reports indicated that the vessel overturned on Saturday off the Loumpoul dunes located in the Kebemer department, situated between Dakar and Saint-Louis.
According to Le Soleil newspaper, most of those who lost their lives came from the Leona and Thieppe districts, which are located in the same department.
Risky journey to Canary Islands
Thousands of people have lost their lives in recent years trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands from West Africa. Migrant rights group Walking Borders reported that 635 people died during the first five months of this year alone.
Over on the Canary Island of El Hierro, Spanish authorities declared an emergency on Saturday due to a sudden surge in arrivals. Authorities there said over 3,300 people arrived on about 30 boats since the beginning of November.
