Senegal Migrant Boat Death Toll Rises To 39

The death toll from a boat carrying migrants that capsized off northwestern Senegal has risen to 39 after rescuers recovered additional bodies.

The country’s emergency services confirmed the updated figure on Monday, November 9, following the discovery of more bodies.

The boat, which departed Saint-Louis in northern Senegal and was heading towards the Spanish coast, capsized on Sunday off Kébémer, north of the capital, Dakar.

Senegal’s Interior Ministry had initially reported 21 deaths, with one person rescued alive, while search operations continued for other possible survivors.

Authorities have not disclosed how many people were aboard the boat, but several passengers are still believed to be missing.

The vessel was travelling along a frequently used Atlantic migration route taken by thousands of young people from West Africa seeking better economic opportunities in Europe.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to clamp down on networks facilitating the dangerous crossings.