The body of a fifth migrant has been found near El Hierro
A tragic discovery was made yesterday (Sunday) in La Restinga, El Hierro, when a swimmer found the body of a migrant floating in the water, who had been travelling in a boat that reached the island in the early hours of the morning.
Judicial sources confirmed that the deceased man had formed part of a group of 214 people rescued by the Salvamar Diphda at sea, including 22 women and five minors.
On arrival at La Restinga’s port, survivors alerted emergency teams that one of their companions was missing. Several hours later, the swimmer reported seeing a body in the bay, allowing rescue services to recover it.
The boat is believed to have departed from Barra, in Gambia, with people on board from Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea-Conakry. They are thought to have spent eight days at sea attempting the dangerous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.
This marks the fifth recorded death linked to migrant arrivals in El Hierro this weekend. Earlier on Sunday, four migrants died on another boat located 30 kilometres south of the island after running out of food and fuel.
The Canary Islands continue to face mounting humanitarian challenges as increasing numbers attempt the perilous crossing in search of safety and a better life.
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