Two migrant boats sank at sea while attempting to reach islands in Greece and Spain, resulting in over 52 deaths amid the ongoing European migrant crisis.
Foreign news agencies reported on 9 Nov 2026 that a migrant boat sank off the coast of Senegal while trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands. Authorities found 39 bodies, all Senegalese, rescued one survivor, and the exact number of missing remains unknown.
The boat, a small vessel, sank in waters between Dakar and Saint-Louis in Senegal while heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed sorrow over the incident, warned citizens against risking their lives, and pledged to decisively crack down on human smuggling networks.
Senegal is facing an unemployment crisis, with 25% of young people currently jobless. Combined with economic pressures and family burdens, many are risking dangerous Atlantic crossings to seek better lives in Europe.
Meanwhile, El Hierro island, part of the Canary Islands, declared a state of emergency after over 3,300 migrants arrived within days, nearly one-third of the island's total population.
At the same time, another migrant boat sank off the coast of Crete, Greece, resulting in at least 13 deaths. Authorities rescued 18 people, all Sudanese. Greek officials believe the boat had drifted at sea for several days, unable to land due to rough seas before sinking.
Greece is also facing a migrant crisis, with over 37,000 arrivals this year surpassing the total for 2025. The government is preparing temporary shelters on Crete to handle the surge, especially among those fleeing war in Sudan and Libya.