Canary Islands migrant arrivals soar as Spain PM eyes west Africa trip
The number of migrants reaching the Canary Islands more than doubled in the first 7.5 months of 2024 as Spain's prime minister announced plans to visit west Africa. Spain is one of the main gateways for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, with many setting sail from the coastlines of Mauritania, The Gambia and Senegal.
Transcript
00:00There were about 85 people, a small group of women and a child, and they came in good
00:26condition compared to other occasions, and until the health care workers or the
00:35civil guard arrived, we were helping them to change clothes and get the first attention.
00:57I've been on this island for seven years. In the first four years I had never seen a
01:02kayak, and three years ago I saw the first one arrive. When I saw the first one arrive, I was
01:06moved, I was impressed. I remember perfectly well how 150 people were coming, how I approached,
01:11how I recorded it. However, it has nothing to do with how I live it today. I see it arrive every
01:18two days, every three days, and well, it doesn't take away my sleep, it doesn't impress me, and I see it normally.
01:26For more information, visit www.ISGlobal.org