Migrant boats sink off Senegal and Crete, killing dozens

· Security · Senegal · Greece

At least 39 people died after a boat carrying migrants sank off Senegal, with the toll rising on Monday as more bodies were found. The vessel left Saint-Louis in northern Senegal and was heading to Spain's Canary Islands when it overturned on Sunday. Separately, authorities said 21 people died over the weekend trying to reach Greece's Crete, with eight bodies found on one boat and 12 on another; about 40 people were rescued off both vessels, and 18 survivors were Sudanese nationals. The sinkings underline the danger of the routes used by migrants seeking to reach Europe.

Why it matters：Atlantic and Mediterranean crossings remain among the world's deadliest migration routes, pressing European and African governments for a response.

Key points

  • The Senegal boat was headed for Spain's Canary Islands.
  • Twenty-one died on two boats near Crete; about 40 were rescued.
  • Eighteen survivors off Crete were Sudanese nationals.

Sources (original reporting)

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