Worst year for migrant deaths on Spanish maritime routes, NGO warns

A Spanish Coast Guard vessel tows a fibreglass boat with migrants onboard to the port of Arguineguin, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, on 25 December, 2024. REUTERS - Borja Suarez

Madrid (AFP) – At least 10,457 migrants died or disappeared while trying to reach Spain by sea in 2024, an NGO said Thursday – marking a 58 percent increase from last year and the highest number recorded since it began tracking data in 2007.

The 58-percent increase includes 1,538 children and 421 women, migrants rights group Caminando Fronteras or Walking Borders said in a report which covers the period from January 1 to December 5, 2024.