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A staggering 6,618 migrants lost their lives or disappeared while attempting to reach Spain by sea in 2023, marking a harrowing average of 18 fatalities each day, according to a report released by the Spanish migrant rights group, Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders), on Tuesday.
The distressing figure represents a stark threefold increase from the previous year's toll, which stood at 2,390, and stands as the highest recorded since the organization began meticulously documenting such incidents in 2007, as revealed by Helena Maleno, the coordinator of Caminando Fronteras, during a press conference.
Among the heart-wrenching statistics, 384 children are accounted for, emphasizing the vulnerability of the youngest migrants. The data is compiled from information provided by the families of those who perished or went missing, coupled with official rescue statistics.
The epicenter of this humanitarian crisis is the perilous Atlantic migration route, where a staggering 6,007 deaths and disappearances occurred, linking Africa to Spain's Canary Islands. The treacherous journey across the Atlantic has become a deadly corridor, amplifying concerns over the safety and well-being of those risking their lives for a chance at a better future.
As the toll continues to rise, humanitarian organizations and advocates are intensifying their calls for immediate action to address the root causes of this crisis and implement more effective measures to prevent further loss of life on these perilous migration routes. The alarming surge in casualties demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts to find humane solutions to the challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge in Spain.
