AA / Tunis / Fatma Ben Amor
The Senegalese Navy reported the discovery of thirty bodies in a drifting pirogue off the coast of Dakar on Sunday, as stated in a press release from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA) on Monday.
“As of now, 30 bodies have been counted,” the statement obtained by Anadolu indicated.
“Ongoing investigations by the relevant authorities will provide more detailed information concerning the incident and the exact origin of the canoe, which will be released later,” it added.
DIRPA noted that “on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in the early evening, the Senegalese Navy received reports of a pirogue approximately 70 km off the coast of Dakar, containing several lifeless bodies.”
It also mentioned that “the recovery, identification, and transfer operations are significantly complicated due to the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies.”
On September 8, 26 bodies, including that of an 18-year-old schoolgirl, were recovered off the coast of Mbour, which is about a hundred kilometers from Dakar, following the sinking of a pirogue carrying irregular migrants.
These migrants had departed from the coastal town of Mbour, aiming to reach the Spanish Canary Islands.
Boats leaving the Senegalese coast are often overloaded and can carry hundreds of migrants.
The NGO Caminando Fronteras reports that more than 5,000 people have died in the Atlantic while attempting to reach the Spanish islands in the first five months of this year, averaging 33 deaths per day, as reported by the information site Infomigrants.
Only a portion of the dispatches, which Anadolu Agency distributes to its subscribers via the Internal Dissemination System (HAS), is published on the AA website in a summarized form. Please contact us to subscribe.
Tragic Discovery: 30 Bodies Recovered from Pirogue off Dakar
AA / Tunis / Fatma Ben Amor
Details of the Recovery Operation
The Senegalese Navy reported the tragic discovery of thirty bodies in a drifting pirogue found off the coast of Dakar. This alarming news unfolded after the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA) released a statement confirming the recovery of these bodies.
According to the statement, “So far, 30 bodies have been counted.” The investigations are ongoing, with authorities aiming to ascertain more details about the origin of the canoe and the circumstances leading to this tragedy.
Context of the Incident
On September 22, 2024, in the early evening, the Senegalese Navy was alerted to the presence of a drifting pirogue approximately 70 km off the coast of Dakar. Reports indicated several lifeless bodies aboard. The process of recovery, identification, and transfer has been made challenging due to the advanced decomposition of the bodies.
Previous Incidents and Statistics
This recent discovery is part of a broader trend of perilous sea crossings by irregular migrants attempting to reach European shores. Earlier in September, 26 bodies were recovered off the coast of Mbour, about 100 kilometers from Dakar, following a similar tragedy involving a migrant pirogue.
| Date | Location | Number of Bodies Recovered | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2024 | Mbour | 26 | Including an 18-year-old schoolgirl |
| September 22, 2024 | Dakar | 30 | Found in a drifting pirogue |
The Risky Journey of Migrants
Many migrants embark on dangerous journeys from the Senegalese coast, often in overloaded and unseaworthy boats, in hopes of reaching the Spanish Canary Islands. Unfortunately, these journeys frequently end in tragedy. Data shows that more than 5,000 people have lost their lives in the Atlantic trying to make this perilous crossing in the first five months of 2024, averaging about 33 deaths per day.
NGO Insights on Migration Trends
Organizations like Caminando Fronteras have documented these statistics, shedding light on the desperate plight of migrants. These canoes set sail with hundreds of individuals, often filled beyond capacity, risking their lives for the dream of a better future.
Community Impact and Responses
The loss of life and the implications of these tragedies have struck deep within local communities. Families are left in anguish, grappling with the loss of loved ones who sought refuge and hope across the sea. Various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, are urged to take more substantial actions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Potential Solutions and Actions Required
- Enhancing border security and coastal surveillance to monitor and prevent unsafe boat departures.
- Implementing educational programs on the dangers of irregular migration.
- Increasing support for legal migration pathways to offer safer alternatives for individuals seeking better opportunities.
- International collaboration to address the root causes of migration, including economic distress and political instability.
Call for Further Investigation
The Senegalese authorities continue to investigate the incident, focusing on the identification of the deceased and understanding the pirogue’s journey. This includes efforts to communicate with families who may be searching for missing relatives, offering them closure in the face of such heartbreaking circumstances.
Support Networks for Affected Families
In light of this tragedy, it is crucial for community support networks to be established. These can be instrumental in providing assistance to families affected by the loss, helping them navigate through their grief and challenges.
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Awareness
As more bodies are recovered, the urgency for comprehensive action is clear. It is vital to raise awareness about the risks associated with irregular migration and to advocate for solutions that prioritize human life and dignity. This is a call to action for communities, governments, and international organizations to work together to save lives.
Only a part of the dispatches, which Anadolu Agency distributes to its subscribers via the Internal Dissemination System (HAS), is published on the AA website, in a summarized form. Please contact us to subscribe.
