On Wednesday, emergency services in the region reported that at least six people were killed when a boat carrying migrants to Spain's Canary Islands capsized as it was being escorted into port.

According to the state broadcaster TVE, it was carrying around 180 passengers. The boat sank as it approached La Restinga Harbour on El Hierro.

A spokesperson from the islands' maritime service stated that a rescue boat was escorting a boat into the harbour. As it approached, the passengers of the vessel appeared to rush one side, causing the vessel to capsize.

TVE's live footage showed a sinking boat, sending migrants, including children, into the water. Many were trying to climb onto a nearby maritime rescue vessel, as the crew tossed them life preservers.

Emergency services reported that a medical helicopter had been sent to assist emergency personnel in rescuing migrants from the water.

According to data from the Interior Ministry, the number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands this year has decreased compared to 2024.

The Atlantic route can be particularly dangerous, as the rough weather conditions can easily cause the fragile rafts and dugouts-like boats or dinghies that are used by many migrants to capsize.

According to migrant advocacy group Walking Borders, in the first five months 2024, 4,808 migrants died during the Atlantic crossing to the Canaries from Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. (Reporting and editing by David Latona, Mark Heinrich and Emma Pinedo)

(source: Reuters)