At Least 140 Migrants Killed Off Senegal In 2020’s Deadliest Shipwreck Yet

Topline

At least 140 people have died at sea after a vessel heading to the Canary Islands wrecked off the coast of Senegal over the weekend, the latest tragedy to befall migrants traveling by boat in the past week.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“We call for unity between governments, partners and the international community to dismantle trafficking and smuggling networks that take advantage of desperate youth,” said Bakary Doumbia, IOM’s chief of Senegal missions, in a statement. “It is also important that we advocate for enhanced legal channels to undermine the traffickers’ business model and prevent loss of life.”

Key Background

The wreck off the coast of Senegal is at least the fifth shipwreck that has affected migrants recorded in just the past week or so. Four wrecks and dozens of deaths were detected in central Mediterranean waters last week, the IOC said, and a capsized boat on the English Channel killed four Tuesday, two of which were young children.