The NGO blames fatalities on weak rescue mechanisms and the outsourcing of border control to third countries, which heightens migrants’ vulnerability.

A Caminando Fronteras report shows more than 3,000 migrants died in 2025 while attempting to reach Spain, with 3,090 fatalities recorded by mid-December, concentrated on the Atlantic crossing from Africa to the Canary Islands.

The report calls for investigations and reforms of rescue protocols to protect the right to life at sea, noting cemeteries with unmarked graves and families left uninformed, including an example from Formentera where a grave is marked only with remembrance dates.

Among the victims, children and women account for significant shares—437 children and 192 women are recorded by the NGO.

A new, higher-risk route has emerged from Guinea, contributing to fatalities even as overall crossing attempts have declined.

European authorities are urged to prioritize humanitarian protection alongside border control to prevent further loss of life.

The Balearics exhibit high opacity in search and rescue, with passive searches, limited regional operations, and weak international cooperation delaying rescues.

Many victims were in overcrowded boats battling strong currents, harsh weather, and scarce safety equipment.

NGO founder Helena Maleno links the trend to necropolitics by far-right parties and criticizes inadequate institutional responses, including delays and insufficient resources.

There are ongoing calls for safer routes and greater international cooperation to address migrant fatalities, with the debate noting that a drop in deaths does not mean safer journeys.

Human rights groups warn the crisis remains severe despite declines, advocating safer migration routes and stronger global cooperation.

Data for the report come from families of migrants and official rescued statistics.