A tragic accident occurred just as a group of migrants from Africa was about to complete their perilous journey to Europe, when their boat capsized on arrival at a port in the Canary Islands on Wednesday.
The incident, which happened at the port of El Hierro, claimed the lives of four women and three girls. As chaos erupted, some survivors managed to hold onto ropes and life floats thrown by rescuers.
According to Spain’s maritime rescue service, the boat had been spotted approximately 9.6 kilometres from the coast. The vessel overturned as rescuers began transferring minors onto a rescue boat positioned between the migrant craft and the dock.
The service explained that the shift in weight caused by the movement of people led to the boat tipping and ultimately capsizing, throwing everyone on board into the sea.
Emergency services for the Canary Islands confirmed that among the deceased were four adult women, one teenage girl, and two younger girls. One of the girls was discovered underwater by a rescue diver.
‘The drama witnessed on El Hierro should move us all, (those) lives were lost in an attempt to find a better future,’ Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on X.
Two more children – a boy and a girl – were airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital in critical condition after nearly drowning, according to the rescue service.
Reports from local media indicated the small boat was overcrowded, possibly carrying more than 100 people. Rescuers from Spain and the Red Cross worked together to pull survivors from the water.
Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands, noted that some individuals were trapped inside a section of the boat and ‘wouldn’t get out’.
‘After the pain and helplessness of what happened today in El Hierro, I want to recognise the actions of all those who tried to save lives at a very difficult time. Not only the professional teams, but also the volunteers and citizens who did everything possible to pull these people from the sea and provide them with medical care,’ Clavijo wrote on X.
For years, the Canary Islands have been a frequent destination for migrants risking the journey in flimsy rubber boats or dinghies unsuitable for long sea voyages. Thousands have lost their lives attempting to reach European shores.
Last year alone, nearly 47,000 migrants completed the crossing to the archipelago, setting a new record for the second consecutive year. The majority came from Mali, Senegal and Morocco, many departing from Mauritania’s coast.
The arrivals have included thousands of unaccompanied minors.
By mid-May, around 10,800 people had reached the Canary Islands via the Atlantic route, a figure that represents a 34% decrease compared to the same time in 2024.
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📺Ya en antena, en Telenoticias 1
— RTVC (@RTVCes) May 28, 2025
🔹Tragedia en El Hierro
🔹Cortes de carreteras por la Virgen del Pino
Lo sigues en https://t.co/nya3TINtwS
▶️https://t.co/9IfW0y8qSg#TN1Canarias pic.twitter.com/SPBqv2MAv0
El drama vivido en El Hierro debería conmovernos a todos. Vidas perdidas en un intento desesperado de encontrar un futuro mejor.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 28, 2025
Debemos estar a la altura. Es una cuestión de humanidad.
Mi solidaridad y cariño para las víctimas y sus familias y todo mi apoyo a quienes trabajan…
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