Tragic: Over 15 migrants perish off Senegal’s coast near Dakar

DAKAR (Reuters) – On Monday, President Macky Sall of Senegal announced that at least 15 people died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Dakar, the country’s capital.

The tragedy occurred early in the morning near Ouakam, a popular beach in Senegal.

In a tweet, President Sall expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. He wrote, “I express my deep sorrow following the death of around fifteen Senegalese people following the sinking of a pirogue (boat) off the coast of Dakar. My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.”

Babacar Diallo, a fisherman from Ouakam, witnessed people trying to assist in the rescue efforts. He said, “There were at least 12 dead bodies on the shore. Two people came out alive.” More bodies were brought ashore throughout the day.

A team of firefighters and divers, alerted by local fishermen and the national navy, continued to search for bodies in the area on Monday afternoon.

Recently, Senegal has experienced an increased number of migrant boats attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands through the Atlantic migration route. Despite the dangers and numerous accidents, migrants remain determined to undertake the journey.

On July 13, Senegal’s navy intercepted a boat with approximately 70 migrants attempting the perilous journey. This marked the third reported crossing this month, as crossings from West Africa become more prevalent during the warmer summer months.

(Reporting by Ngouda Dione; Writing by Bate Felix; Editing by Hugh Lawson)