Migrant arrivals in the Canaries during the year so far have fallen considerably compared to the same period last year.
Figures published by the European Union’s Border Control Agency (Frontex) show that a total of 11,065 migrants – mostly from Mali, Senegal and Guinea – made the perilous crossing from the west coast of Africa to the Canaries between January and May, a full 35% down on last year.
The drop is substantially greater than the decrease of 20% in illegal border crossings in the EU overall in the first five months of 2025 and is attributed by Frontex to a combination of factors, including stronger border controls and migration policies in Mauritania – the departure point for a large number of boats -, poor weather conditions for sea journeys, and enhanced cooperation between the EU and countries of departure. Joint Spanish-Moroccan patrols have also played a key role in disrupting smuggling activities near the Canary Islands, adds the agency.
The positive Frontex data on arrivals comes just three days after a boat carrying 63 sub-Saharan migrants from Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Conakry arrived in La Restinga on tiny El Hierro, the westernmost Canary Island, after five days at sea.
As reported here, the small harbour of La Restinga is a frequent landing point for the unsafe wooden boats that carry thousands of migrants on the dangerous trip across from the west coast of Africa every year.
It was the scenario of a major tragedy on 28 May when a boat carrying 160 migrants overturned as it arrived in the small harbour and seven occupants drowned.
