Northwest African Maritime Route

The Northwest African Maritime Route, from various parts of the West and Northwest African coastline to the Canary Islands, a part of Spain, has become a major route for maritime migrants and refugees. Boats may leave from nearby beaches in Morocco or Mauritania, but may also travel from as far as Senegal, the Gambia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. These journeys take place in the open Atlantic, covering a distance of 2,000km, and can last ten days or more, with frequent storms and rough currents.  

In 2024, 46,843 irregular maritime arrivals reached the Canary Islands, but there are likely many more who attempt the journey. The Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras estimates that 9,757 people died while trying to reach the Canary Islands and IOM set the minimum number of deaths at 1,062.  

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