Over 700 Migrants Rescued Near Canary Islands, Four Dead, Amid Record Migration Increase

Record number of migrants nearing 2006's figure, with 30,705 arrivals reported in the first half of 2023, a 111% increase from same period last year; Spanish government planning additional emergency accommodations.

More than 700 migrants were rescued from four boats near Spain's Canary Islands, with two found dead at the scene and two others dying later in hospital.
In total, 30,705 migrants have reached the Canary Islands between January 1 and October 31 of 2023, contributing to a 111% increase in migrant arrivals compared to the same period in 2022.
The current figures are close to the peak migration numbers registered in 2006 when 31,678 migrants arrived on the Canary Islands, after other routes to Europe were blocked.
Migrant arrivals have surged recently due to calmer seas and milder weather since September, increasing the feasibility of the perilous crossing from Africa. The bulk of the migrants are from Senegal and other African countries.
In response to the influx, the Spanish government plans to set up additional emergency accommodations for about 3,000 migrants in military barracks, hotels, and hostels.