Spanish coast guard rescues 85 migrants near the Canary Islands

The Spanish coast guard rescued 85 migrants on Thursday, January 9, from a boat located 7 miles off the Canary Islands. The rescued individuals, identified as sub-Saharan in origin, were safely disembarked at the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria Island.

The Canary Islands, located off the northwestern Atlantic coast of Africa, are currently struggling with a significant influx of irregular migrants, primarily from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco.

In 2024, the region recorded its second consecutive record-breaking year. According to the Interior Ministry, 46,843 irregular migrants arrived in the archipelago last year, accounting for 73% of all irregular migration to Spain.

The Canary Islands’ strategic location has made them a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The Spanish coast guard continues its efforts to manage this influx while prioritizing the rescue of lives at sea.

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