Senegal shipwreck off Lompoul: death toll rises to 39
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Africanews
The death toll from the sinking of a migrant boat off Lompoul has risen to 39 after the discovery of four more bodies. The boat, which left Saint-Louis for the Canary Islands, capsized on Friday, and only one survivor has been reported, according to Africa News. A judicial investigation has been opened.
The death toll from the sinking of a migrant boat off Lompoul, in Senegal, has risen to 39 after the discovery of four more bodies, according to Africanews. The wooden vessel, which left Saint-Louis for the Spanish Canary Islands, capsized on Friday. Only one person survived, and the total number of people on board remains unknown.
Regional governor Ndeye Nguenar Mbodj said more than 20 victims have been identified and returned to their families. The authorities have requested permission to bury four decomposing bodies locally. Most of the victims were young people from neighbouring communities.
Rescue teams searched 25 kilometres of coastline, and a judicial investigation has been opened. The tragedy illustrates the dangers of the Atlantic route to the Canaries, where overloaded pirogues make long journeys in perilous waters. According to Africanews, the strengthening of coastal patrols has lengthened and made more dangerous crossings departing from West Africa.
