The sinking of a migrant vessel in Moroccan waters on December 19 left 70 people missing, including 25 from Mali, the Malian government reported on Thursday.

The boat, which was carrying around 80 migrants, was en route to Spain when the tragedy occurred. The government’s statement confirmed that "25 young Malians unfortunately identified among the victims."

According to the statement, 11 people were rescued, nine of whom were from Mali. This information was provided by embassies in the region, local officials, victims' families, and survivors.

Each year, thousands of migrants risk perilous sea journeys from Africa to Europe in overcrowded and often makeshift vessels.

The Spanish migration NGO Caminando Fronteras reported on Thursday that over 10,400 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain in 2024, including a record number targeting the Canary Islands. This equates to an average of about 30 deaths per day, making 2024 the deadliest year on record for migrant crossings.

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The Canary Islands lie just 100 kilometers (62 miles) from North Africa, with the shortest route from the coastal town of Tarfaya in southern Morocco to the island of Fuerteventura. However, to avoid detection, smugglers sometimes take more dangerous, longer routes, traveling west into the open Atlantic before turning north towards the Canaries.

The Atlantic route is particularly treacherous, with many overcrowded boats unable to withstand the strong ocean currents. Some vessels depart from African shores as far as 1,000 kilometers from the Canary Islands.

Mali has been experiencing a severe security crisis since 2012, with attacks from militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, along with separatist movements and criminal organizations.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 16,400 migrants have died since 2014 attempting to reach Europe from Africa, including those heading for the Canary Islands.