Spain saves 262 migrants in Canary Islands as EU meets on migration

During the early hours of Friday, Spanish coast guards successfully rescued 262 migrants traveling in three boats attempting to reach the Canary Islands as European leaders are gathering in Spain to explore strategies to prevent a potential new migration crisis.

Italy and Spain have expressed apprehension regarding a surge in irregular immigration to their Mediterranean and Atlantic islands this year. Madrid has emphasized that it requires assistance from the European Union to manage the challenges posed by irregular immigration.

Emergency services reported that they had transported 103 out of the 262 rescued migrants to El Hierro, the westernmost and smallest of the Canary Islands. Over the past six days, El Hierro has received over 1,200 migrants.

Fernando Clavijo, the head of the Canary Islands’ regional government, disclosed that the health service on El Hierro, which has a population of just 11,000 residents, becomes strained each time a boat docks at the port.

The remaining rescued migrants were transported to Los Cristianos port in Tenerife and Arguineguin in Gran Canaria.

Official statistics reveal that migrant arrivals by sea to Spain have risen by 20% during the current year compared to the same period in 2022. In the last month alone, over 3,500 migrants reached the Canary Islands, taking advantage of milder weather and tranquil sea conditions.

The seven islands within the Atlantic archipelago have emerged as the primary destination for migrants attempting to reach Spain, while some opt for crossing the Mediterranean to reach the Spanish mainland.

Scroll to Top