At least 21 dead after migrant boat sinks off Senegal coast

A small boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of northwestern Senegal, resulting in at least 21 deaths, Senegalese authorities reported.

The Senegalese Interior Ministry stated that only one person was rescued and 21 bodies were recovered, with the death toll described as provisional as search operations continue.

The incident took place near Kebemer, about 112 miles north of Dakar, with many victims reportedly from nearby districts, according to local media.

Authorities highlighted their commitment to combating people smuggling networks through increased cooperation with neighboring countries.

In a related development, officials on El Hierro Island in Spain's Canary Islands declared an emergency due to a sharp rise in migrant boat arrivals, with over 3,300 people arriving on around 30 boats since early November.