The Spanish coast guard rescued 85 migrants on Thursday, approximately seven miles off the Canary Islands, officials said.
The migrants, believed to be from sub-Saharan Africa, were brought to shore at the port of Arguineguín on Gran Canaria, one of the seven islands that make up the Canary Archipelago.
The Canary Islands have been grappling with a surge in irregular migration from countries such as Mali, Senegal, and Morocco. The route, though perilous, has become a primary path for those seeking a better life in Europe.
In 2024, the archipelago recorded an all-time annual high for the second consecutive year, with 46,843 arrivals, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry. These migrants accounted for 73 percent of all irregular arrivals in Spain, underscoring the Canary Islands’ role as a focal point in the ongoing migration crisis.
The Spanish government has faced increasing pressure to manage the influx, balancing humanitarian efforts with calls for stronger border controls. Meanwhile, local authorities on the islands continue to strain under the weight of providing shelter and resources for the arriving migrants.
