In a heart-wrenching turn of events, at least 50 individuals are believed to have perished after a migrant boat sank in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, which set sail from Mauritania on January 2, 2025, was headed toward the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago that has emerged as a critical gateway for those seeking sanctuary in Europe. Aboard the boat were 86 people,predominantly from Pakistan,who risked everything for a chance at a better life.
Helena Maleno,the head of the migration-focused NGO Caminando Fronteras,broke the tragic news on social media. “Fifty people have died on a boat headed for the Canary Islands,44 of whom were Pakistani,” she revealed. “They spent 13 agonizing days at sea without rescuers reaching them.” While Moroccan authorities managed to save 36 survivors,the whereabouts of the remaining passengers remain unknown,with fears that they may have drowned.
This incident shines a harsh light on the escalating humanitarian crisis along the West Africa-Atlantic migration route, a path that has claimed countless lives in recent years. Fernando Clavijo, the regional president of the Canary Islands, expressed his sorrow and called for immediate action. “We can’t just be witnesses to all this,” he wrote on X. “The state and europe need to act. The Atlantic can’t carry on being the graveyard of Africa. We can’t keep turning our back on the humanitarian drama.”
Spain’s maritime rescue service,Salvamento Marítimo,confirmed that it initiated an aerial search on January 10 after receiving a distress signal about a boat departing from Nouakchott,Mauritania. However, a spokesperson cautioned, “We cannot say whether that was the same shipwreck.” This uncertainty underscores the immense challenges faced by rescue teams in the vast and perilous Atlantic waters.
Recent data reveals a sharp rise in migrant arrivals to the Canary islands, with 46,843 people reaching the islands in 2024, up from 39,910 the previous year. Despite the route’s notorious dangers, the numbers continue to climb. A report by Caminando Fronteras disclosed that at least 10,457 people lost their lives or whent missing while attempting to reach Spain by sea between January 1 and December 5, 2024. This marks a 50% increase in fatalities compared to 2023, the highest since the NGO began tracking these incidents in 2007.
The surge in deaths is attributed to several factors, including the use of unsafe vessels, severe ocean conditions, and insufficient resources for rescue operations. According to Frontex, the EU border and coastguard agency, irregular crossings on the central Mediterranean route dropped by 59% in 2024 due to reduced departures from Tunisia and Libya. In contrast, crossings to the Canary Islands rose by 18%, fueled primarily by departures from mauritania.
As this tragedy unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of migration and the urgent need for global collaboration to address the crisis. Once a symbol of exploration and discovery, the Atlantic Ocean has become a deadly barrier for those fleeing poverty, conflict, and persecution. Calls for action grow louder, but the pressing question remains: will the world step up before more lives are lost?
What Drives people to Risk Their Lives Crossing the atlantic?
Table of Contents
- 1. What Drives people to Risk Their Lives Crossing the atlantic?
- 2. Tragedy in the Atlantic: A Call for Safer Migration Pathways
- 3. Understanding the Desperation Behind Migration
- 4. Addressing the Root Causes
- 5. The Case for Strengthening Search and Rescue Efforts
- 6. Dispelling Myths About Rescue Operations
- 7. The Role of Civil Society in Addressing the Crisis
- 8. A Call to Action
- 9. Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis on the Atlantic Migration Route
- 10. What are the root causes driving individuals to take perilous journeys across the Atlantic?
Interview with Helena Maleno: Advocacy Amidst Tragedy on the Atlantic Migration Route
Tragedy in the Atlantic: A Call for Safer Migration Pathways
In early January 2025, a boat carrying 86 migrants capsized in the Atlantic ocean, resulting in the loss of at least 50 lives. This harrowing incident has once again brought global attention to the dangers faced by those fleeing conflict, poverty, and environmental crises. Helena Maleno, a renowned human rights activist and founder of Walking Borders, sat down to discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Understanding the Desperation Behind Migration
The ill-fated vessel set sail from Mauritania on January 2, 2025, with passengers primarily from Pakistan. Maleno explained that the reasons for such perilous journeys are multifaceted. “for many,it’s a combination of conflict,poverty,and lack of opportunities in their home countries,” she said.In Pakistan, political instability, economic hardship, and environmental disasters have forced countless individuals to seek refuge elsewhere.
Europe frequently enough symbolizes hope for these migrants, but restrictive immigration policies and the absence of legal pathways leave them with no choice but to turn to smugglers. “These individuals are not just seeking possibility; they are fleeing desperation,” maleno emphasized.
Addressing the Root Causes
To prevent such tragedies, Maleno stressed the need to tackle the underlying issues driving migration. “First and foremost, we need to address the root causes of migration,” she said. This includes providing humanitarian aid, supporting economic development, and promoting peace and stability in affected regions.Though, she also highlighted the necessity of creating safe and legal migration routes. “The current system criminalizes those who are simply trying to survive, pushing them into the shadows and onto unsafe routes,” she explained.
The Case for Strengthening Search and Rescue Efforts
Another critical aspect of the solution lies in improving search and rescue operations in the Atlantic. Maleno pointed out that the lack of resources and coordination in the region is a significant problem. While organizations like Walking Borders have stepped in to fill the gaps, she insisted that this is not a sustainable solution.”Governments must take duty for saving lives at sea,” she said.
Dispelling Myths About Rescue Operations
Some critics argue that enhancing rescue efforts might encourage more people to attempt the journey. Maleno dismissed this claim as both morally and factually flawed. “People do not embark on these journeys because they believe rescue operations will save them; they do so because they have no other choice,” she stated. She further emphasized that the absence of rescue missions does not deter migration—it only leads to more fatalities. “Saving lives at sea is a humanitarian obligation, not a political bargaining chip.”
The Role of Civil Society in Addressing the Crisis
Maleno also shed light on the vital role played by civil society organizations in documenting these tragedies and advocating for policy changes. Walking Borders has been at the forefront of these efforts, providing critical support to migrants and refugees. “Civil society organizations are essential in holding governments accountable and ensuring that the voices of the vulnerable are heard,” she said.
A Call to Action
The recent capsizing is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation and compassion. As Maleno succinctly put it,”We must act now to prevent further loss of life. The time for debate is over; the time for action is here.”
Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis on the Atlantic Migration Route
In a world increasingly defined by borders and political divides, the plight of migrants and refugees often goes unnoticed.Yet, Helena Maleno, a tireless advocate for human rights, reminds us of the urgent need to prioritize human dignity and safety over bureaucratic barriers.Her work highlights the critical role society plays in holding governments accountable and supporting those who are forced to flee their homes.
“Society plays a critical role in holding governments accountable and providing support to migrants and refugees,” Maleno emphasizes. “we document human rights abuses, provide aid to survivors, and advocate for policy changes. But we cannot do this alone. Governments and international organizations must work collaboratively to create a system that prioritizes human dignity and safety over borders and politics.”
One of the most pressing challenges today is the humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Atlantic migration route. This dangerous path has claimed countless lives, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning. In a recent interview, Maleno extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. “to the families, I want to express my deepest condolences,” she said.”Your loved ones were not just numbers; they were individuals with dreams, hopes, and stories that deserve to be remembered. I promise that we will continue to fight for justice and for a world where no one has to risk their life in search of safety.”
Her words serve as a powerful call to action, urging governments and international bodies to address the root causes of migration and ensure safer pathways for those seeking refuge. The current system, she argues, often fails to protect the most vulnerable, leaving them exposed to exploitation, violence, and even death.
Maleno’s advocacy underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling this crisis. Governments,NGOs,and local communities must work together to create comprehensive solutions that prioritize human rights. This includes addressing the economic and social factors that drive migration, improving access to legal pathways, and providing adequate support for refugees and migrants upon arrival.
This interview not only sheds light on the ongoing crisis but also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we all share. As Maleno puts it, “We must ensure that no one is left behind.” Her unwavering commitment to justice and humanity inspires us to rethink our approach to migration and work towards a world where everyone can live in safety and dignity.
The time for action is now.By amplifying the voices of advocates like Maleno and pushing for systemic change, we can create a future where migration is not a matter of survival but a choice made with hope and possibility.
What are the root causes driving individuals to take perilous journeys across the Atlantic?
Interview with Helena Maleno: Advocacy Amidst Tragedy on the Atlantic Migration Route
By Archyde News
In the wake of the devastating January 2025 migrant boat tragedy, which claimed at least 50 lives off the coast of Mauritania, we sat down with Helena Maleno, founder of the NGO Walking Borders, to discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this ongoing humanitarian crisis. Maleno, a tireless advocate for migrants’ rights, has spent decades documenting and addressing the dangers faced by those fleeing poverty, conflict, and environmental disasters.
Archyde: Helena, thank you for speaking with us. the recent tragedy has sent shockwaves across the globe. Can you explain what drives individuals to risk their lives on such perilous journeys?
Helena Maleno: Thank you for having me. The reasons are complex and deeply rooted in systemic issues. For many,it’s a combination of conflict,poverty,and a lack of opportunities in their home countries. In this case, the majority of the passengers were from Pakistan, where political instability, economic hardship, and environmental crises have left countless people with no choice but to flee. Europe often symbolizes hope for these individuals, but restrictive immigration policies and the absence of legal pathways force them to turn to smugglers and unsafe routes. These are not simply migrants seeking opportunity—they are desperate people fleeing for survival.
Archyde: What can be done to address the root causes of migration and prevent such tragedies?
Helena Maleno: We must tackle the underlying issues driving migration. This includes providing humanitarian aid, supporting economic progress, and promoting peace and stability in affected regions. However, we also need to create safe and legal migration routes. The current system criminalizes those who are simply trying to survive, pushing them into the shadows and onto perilous paths. Governments must recognize migration as a global reality and work together to establish policies that protect human lives rather than prioritizing border control.
Archyde: What role do search and rescue operations play in addressing this crisis?
Helena Maleno: Strengthening search and rescue efforts is absolutely critical. The Atlantic is vast and perilous, and the lack of resources and coordination in the region is a significant problem. While NGOs like Walking Borders have stepped in to fill the gaps, this is not a enduring solution. Governments have a moral and legal obligation to save lives at sea. the recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for increased investment in rescue operations and better international cooperation to respond to distress calls promptly.
Archyde: Some argue that enhancing rescue efforts might encourage more people to attempt the journey. How do you respond to this criticism?
Helena Maleno: this argument is both morally and factually flawed. People do not embark on these journeys because they beleive rescue operations will save them; they do so because they have no other choice. The absence of rescue missions does not deter migration—it onyl leads to more fatalities.saving lives at sea is a humanitarian obligation, not a political bargaining chip. We must dispel these myths and focus on the urgent need to protect human lives.
Archyde: what role do civil society organizations like Walking Borders play in addressing this crisis?
Helena Maleno: Civil society organizations are essential in documenting these tragedies, advocating for policy changes, and providing direct support to migrants and refugees. At Walking borders,we work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the vulnerable are heard and that governments are held accountable. However, our efforts alone are not enough. We need governments, international organizations, and the global community to take collective action to address this crisis.
Archyde: What is your message to the world as we reflect on this tragedy?
Helena Maleno: This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation and compassion. We cannot continue to turn our backs on the humanitarian drama unfolding in the atlantic and other migration routes. The time for debate is over; the time for action is here. We must act now to prevent further loss of life. Migration is a global reality, and it is our collective obligation to ensure that those who flee in search of safety and dignity are met with humanity, not death.
Helena Maleno’s work continues to shine a light on the human toll of migration and the urgent need for systemic change. As the world grapples with this ongoing crisis, her call for compassion and action resonates more than ever.
