At least 69 migrants died when a boat capsized while heading from West Africa to the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco on December 19. Out of approximately 80 passengers, only 11 survived. This tragic incident occurs as migrant deaths have surged to an all-time high in 2024, with 9,757 reported at sea. The rise in dangerous crossings is attributed to conflicts in the Sahel region, unemployment, and climate change impacts. Walking Borders highlights a lack of effective rescue operations and the prioritization of immigration control as contributing factors to the escalating fatalities.

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