In a heartbreaking incident off the coast of El Hierro in the Canary Islands, at least seven migrants, including two five-year-old children and a 16-year-old, lost their lives when their overcrowded boat capsized. The tragedy occurred as the vessel was being towed into the harbor of La Restinga by the Spanish Maritime Rescue Service, just meters away from safety. The sudden capsizing was captured on video, showing the desperate attempts of migrants to climb the harbor wall with ropes and rescue workers pulling others from the water.
The boat, estimated to be carrying up to 180 people, had an air pocket that allowed many to survive until rescue teams arrived. However, the high number of victims complicated rescue efforts, with several individuals, including a baby, still reported missing. The exact cause of the capsizing remains unclear, but eyewitness accounts suggest that the boat overturned as it approached another rescue vessel, with some passengers standing up in an attempt to jump to safety.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his sorrow over the incident on social media, highlighting the tragic loss of life in the pursuit of a better future. The Canary Islands have become a frequent destination for migrants attempting the perilous journey from West Africa in overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats, seeking refuge and opportunity in Europe.
This latest tragedy underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis at sea, with migrants risking everything for a chance at a new life. The Spanish authorities continue their search and rescue operations, but the incident raises urgent questions about the safety and legality of such dangerous crossings, as well as the international community's response to the plight of migrants.
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