Five Dead, Many Missing in Migrant Boat Tragedy Near Spain’s Canary Islands

At least five people died and many more were feared dead after a boat carrying West African migrants ran into trouble in the Atlantic Ocean. Forty-four survivors were safely brought to Spain’s Canary Islands.

Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service reported on Thursday (September 3, 2026) that one of its planes spotted a drifting boat about 120 km (74 miles) south of Gran Canaria island on Wednesday afternoon (September 2, 2026). The boat was described as “precarious.”

Three survivors were quickly taken by helicopter to a hospital. The remaining 41 migrants were brought ashore early Thursday in Arguineguín port with help from the Red Cross.

All survivors were men, some underage, and came from Mali or Senegal, said José Antonio Rodríguez Verona of the Red Cross. They were disoriented and dehydrated, with many collapsing or vomiting upon reaching land. Migrants told reporters they had left Gambia and been at sea for “many days,” possibly nearly a month, with little food or water.

Survivors also reported that more than 100 people were originally on the boat, including women and a baby. As people died, their bodies were thrown overboard until those remaining had no strength to do so.

Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service said strong winds and waves prevented retrieving the bodies of the five dead found in the boat.

Helena Maleno, founder of migrant rights group Walking Borders, reported that 83 people had died on the voyage, including three women and a baby. The boat had departed Gambia 27 days ago.

The West African route to Spain’s Canary Islands is known for its dangers. While arrivals have dropped in recent years, thousands have died or gone missing in recent years. Some boats drift as far as the Americas.