WASHINGTON, DC – AT least 39 people have reportedly died after a migrant boat carrying people hoping to reach Europe capsized off the coast of Senegal, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors and missing passengers.
The vessel, known locally as a pirogue, reportedly sank on Saturday, November 7, 2026, off the coast of Lompoul, in the Léona area of Kébémer.
In a statement, Senegal’s Ministry of the Interior and Public Security expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, confirming that the initial death toll stood at 21, with only one survivor reported at the time.
The ministry said state agencies had been mobilised to continue search operations, rescue anyone who might still be alive and provide support to the families of those affected.
However, the recovery operation continued into Monday, with four bodies reportedly recovered in the morning in an advanced state of decomposition. The bodies were subsequently buried following a collective funeral prayer organised by the fire service.
According to the BBC, the nationalities of all those aboard the vessel had not yet been established as search operations continued.
Rescue teams have been searching along a 25-kilometre (15-mile) stretch of coastline, although difficult access and strong ocean currents have hampered efforts. The currents are reportedly carrying bodies further south, making recovery operations increasingly challenging.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his sorrow over the incident in a statement posted on X on Sunday, saying he had received news of the capsizing with deep sadness.
“I bow to the memory of the victims and offer my saddened condolences to their families and the people of Kébémer. My thoughts are also with the survivors and those waiting for news of a loved one,” the president wrote.
He said all state authorities and available resources had been mobilised to locate those missing, provide assistance to survivors and support grieving families.
The president also renewed his government's commitment to tackling the networks responsible for organising dangerous irregular migration journeys.
“No departure should have the sea as its only horizon,” Faye said, adding that the government would continue its efforts to dismantle the networks facilitating these crossings while creating opportunities that would give young people reasons to remain in Senegal.
The Ministry of the Interior and Public Security also reaffirmed the government's determination to combat human smuggling networks, including through stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries.
It further urged the public to remain vigilant about the dangers of irregular migration, while pointing to the government's commitment to improving opportunities and integration for young people.
The interior minister was scheduled to visit the affected area on Monday, November 9, to express the government's condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims and affected communities.
The latest tragedy highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe through irregular sea crossings from West Africa. The Atlantic route towards Spain's Canary Islands remains particularly dangerous, with migrants frequently undertaking lengthy journeys in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats.
Despite repeated warnings, dangerous sea crossings continue as people risk their lives in search of better economic opportunities and prospects abroad.
