Death Toll Rises in Senegal Migrant Boat Disaster as Authorities Recover More Bodies

The death toll from a migrant boat disaster off the coast of Senegal has risen to 39, with only one survivor rescued, as search and recovery operations continue.

The boat, which departed from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal, was heading towards the Spanish coast when it capsized on Sunday, November 8, near Kébémer, north of the capital, Dakar.

According to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), the death toll increased following the recovery of additional bodies by emergency responders on Monday.

The Senegalese Interior Ministry had initially reported 21 deaths, with one person rescued alive. However, further discoveries brought the number of fatalities to 39.

The authorities did not disclose the total number of passengers aboard the vessel, while several people are still believed to be missing.

Rescue operations have continued along approximately 25 kilometres of difficult coastal terrain. Strong ocean currents have also complicated recovery efforts by carrying bodies further south.

The APS reported that 24 of the 39 victims had been identified and their remains handed over to their families, while 11 others were still awaiting identification.

An investigation has been opened to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Investigators have reportedly recovered fuel containers as part of their inquiries.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to intensify efforts against trafficking and smuggling networks responsible for organising dangerous migration journeys.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) condemned the activities of smugglers and traffickers, accusing them of exploiting vulnerable people by sending them to sea in unseaworthy boats.

The tragedy has renewed concerns over the perilous Atlantic migration route connecting West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, which thousands of people attempt to cross in search of better economic opportunities.

According to migrant rights organisation Walking Borders, at least 635 migrants died while attempting to reach the Canary Islands from West Africa in the first five months of 2026.

Meanwhile, Senegalese human rights organisation Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA) has called for a parliamentary investigation into the government’s handling of irregular migration, arguing that existing measures have failed to produce lasting results.

The latest disaster highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants undertaking hazardous sea journeys in overcrowded and often unsafe vessels in the hope of reaching Europe.