The vessel was carrying people attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, with one survivor rescued and the number of passengers still missing unknown

At least 39 people have died after a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off Senegal’s northwestern coast while traveling toward Spain’s Canary Islands. One person survived, and search operations continued on Nov. 9.

Boat overturns near Kébémer

The vessel overturned near Kébémer, between Dakar and Saint-Louis. Senegalese emergency services reported the rising death toll after rescuers recovered additional bodies.

Authorities have not established how many people were aboard, leaving the number of missing passengers unknown.

Victims identified as Senegalese

Saliou Diouf, founder of Senegalese migrant aid organization Boza Fii, told AFP that the bodies recovered so far were Senegalese. However, the nationalities of everyone aboard have not been confirmed.

President Faye pledges crackdown on smugglers

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to intensify efforts against networks organizing dangerous sea crossings.

The government has also called for stronger cooperation with neighboring countries to combat people-smuggling operations.

A deadly Atlantic route

The disaster highlights the risks of the Atlantic route from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands. Walking Borders, a Spanish migrant rights organization, recorded 635 deaths or disappearances along the route between January and May 2026.

The group estimates that 21 people died for every 100 who reached the islands by sea during the period.

Arrivals surge in the Canary Islands

The tragedy comes amid a sharp increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands. More than 3,300 people reached El Hierro in approximately 30 boats during the first week of November, prompting local authorities to declare an emergency and seek additional support from Spain’s government.