Tragedy in the Canary Islands: Hopes Dwindle for Missing Migrants

Authorities are losing hope in finding any of the 48 missing migrants after their boat sank near the Spanish island of El Hierro, in what could become the deadliest incident in 30 years of crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands. Nine people, including a child, have already been confirmed dead.

Hopes of discovering any of the 48 migrants missing since their boat sank near the Spanish island of El Hierro are fading, according to authorities.

The tragedy threatens to become the deadliest such incident in the history of crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands in the past 30 years. Emergency and rescue services confirmed that nine people, including a child, have already been found dead.

Rescue efforts saw 27 migrants saved, but the chances are slim for the others. The long-standing crisis highlights the perils of the perilous journey from West Africa, with significant increases in migrant crossings observed this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)