More than 1,300 migrants lost their lives while attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands and other parts of the Spanish coast during the first five months of 2026, according to a new report by migrant advocacy group Walking Borders.
The report recorded 1,317 deaths between January and May, including 142 women and 129 children. It also revealed that at least 27 migrant boats disappeared at sea with everyone on board feared dead.
Humanitarian organisations say the Atlantic migration route from West Africa to the Canary Islands remains one of the world’s most dangerous sea crossings. Increased border enforcement in countries such as Mauritania has reportedly pushed migrants to take longer and riskier journeys across the Atlantic Ocean in an effort to avoid detection.
The findings were released ahead of Pope Leo’s visit to the Canary Islands, where he is expected to highlight the plight of migrants and call for more humane migration policies. The Pope has described the global migrant crisis as a challenge to the ethical foundations of the international order.
Despite a decline in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands this year following agreements between Spain and several West African countries aimed at tightening migration controls, thousands continue to risk the perilous crossing in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.
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