Seven migrants, including children, buried in Spain's Canary Islands after shipwreck

On May 30, seven migrant women and children who died when their boat capsized just metres from the shore were laid to rest at the harbour of La Restinga on El Hierro island, one of Spain’s Canary Islands.

Among the deceased were two five-year-old girls and a 16-year-old, according to emergency services, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The group was part of a migrant boat that overturned on Wednesday as it was being escorted into port by rescuers. Survivors, local residents, and officials gathered to pay their respects.

"I heard the screams and didn’t hesitate," said Javier Iglesias, a local resident who rushed to help during the incident. "Like any citizen faced with an emergency or an accident, I got in my car, rushed to where the boat was, and helped however I could."

Standing near the water’s edge where dreams turned into tragedy, Iglesias added, "What really moves you and leaves an impression is when you see the faces, the expressions of those people who didn’t reach their dream, just five metres from the shore."

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants making the treacherous journey from West Africa to the Canary Islands. Despite a decline in arrivals this year, the route remains one of the deadliest. According to the migrant rights organisation Walking Borders, 4,808 people lost their lives attempting the Atlantic crossing in the first five months of 2024.

By Khagan Isayev