A distressing incident off the coast of Morocco has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, as a small boat carrying 58 individuals encountered trouble while attempting to reach Spain's Canary Islands, according to reports from aid organization Caminando Fronteras.

Survivors were found clinging to the dinghy, highlighting the perilous journey that many undertake in their quest for a better life. The Canary Islands, situated off the north-western coast of Africa, have witnessed a significant uptick in the arrival of boats carrying irregular migrants since the start of October.

Spain's Interior Ministry has recorded an 80% year-on-year increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands from January 1 to October 15. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reports that over 38,000 migrants from Africa have reached the islands in the current year.

Caminando Fronteras, an NGO actively involved in migrant issues, revealed a grim statistic, stating that at least 778 migrants lost their lives in the first six months of the year while attempting the perilous crossing from West Africa across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge and opportunities, shedding light on the urgent need for comprehensive and humane solutions to address the complexities of migration routes in the region. (ILKHA)