The death toll from a migrant boat that capsized off the coast of Senegal has risen to 39, according to the country’s emergency services. The update followed the discovery of new bodies on Monday, marking a significant increase from the initial reports.
The vessel, which had departed from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal and was attempting to reach the Spanish coast, overturned on Sunday. The incident occurred offshore from the town of Kébémer, located north of the capital, Dakar.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Interior had initially reported that at least 21 people had died in the disaster. While rescue operations were launched immediately to search for survivors, officials have not disclosed the total number of passengers who were on board the boat. It is believed that several passengers remain missing.
Only one passenger has been rescued alive from the wreckage. The boat was traveling along a well-traveled migration route used by thousands of young Senegalese citizens seeking improved economic conditions abroad.
In the wake of the tragedy, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye offered his condolences to the families of the victims. He further vowed that his administration would take firm action to clamp down on the networks responsible for organizing these dangerous sea crossings.
