The International Organization for Migration (IOM) acknowledges that their documented death toll likely underrepresents the true number of fatalities on this dangerous route.

While irregular entries to the EU decreased by about 40% by November 2024, crossings on the Atlantic route increased by 19%, indicating a shift in migration patterns.

This shift towards the Canary Islands as a primary destination for irregular migrants began roughly five years ago, moving away from the western Mediterranean route.

In 2024, Spain recorded 63,970 irregular migrants, primarily arriving in the Canary Islands, marking an increase from 56,852 in 2023.

This figure surpasses the previous record of 39,910 migrants registered in 2023 and approaches the all-time high of 64,298 migrants recorded in 2018.

The route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is recognized as one of the most perilous migration paths globally, with at least 9,757 migrants reported dead in 2024 by the Spanish NGO 'Caminando Fronteras'.

This death toll represents a 50% increase from 2023 and is the highest since 2007, attributed to the use of poorly constructed boats and treacherous waters.

Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, criticized the lack of support from the Spanish central government and the EU, especially regarding the care of nearly 6,000 unaccompanied minors on the islands.

The number of boats used for migration increased to 692 in 2024, up from 610 in 2023, reflecting the growing desperation among migrants.

Despite the challenges, the Ministry of Interior's report emphasizes that irregular migration constitutes a small fraction of overall immigration to Spain, with 94% of immigrants arriving through regular channels over the past decade.

The issue of irregular migration, particularly concerning the over 5,800 unaccompanied minors in the Canary Islands, dominated public and political discourse throughout 2024.

The majority of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands came from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, highlighting the regional origins of those undertaking this perilous journey.