Over 80 feared dead as migrant boat drifts off Canary Islands

Spanish maritime authorities have launched a recovery operation following the discovery of a migrant vessel in distressed condition off the Canary Islands. At least five bodies have been confirmed recovered from the boat, which departed The Gambia approximately 27 days prior to its discovery.

According to assessments by Spanish migrant advocacy organizations working in the region, the vessel likely carried more than 80 people at the time of departure. Based on current evidence, humanitarian groups estimate that the majority of passengers may have died during the extended journey across the Atlantic.

The discovery adds to growing concerns about perilous migration routes across West African waters toward European territory. The extended duration of the voyage and conditions aboard the vessel suggest passengers faced severe hardship during their attempt to reach Spanish shores.

Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work to recover additional bodies and gather information about the vessel's voyage. The incident underscores the continued risks undertaken by migrants seeking passage to Europe across increasingly dangerous maritime routes.