At least 51 migrants are missing after their vessel capsized en route to the Canary Islands from West Africa, Spanish media reported on Monday.

The incident occurred roughly 110 kilometers from El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands. According to local reports, the Spanish Coast Guard rescued nine survivors clinging to wreckage. The remaining passengers are unaccounted for.

The rescued migrants, all men, reportedly said they spent two days at sea after the boat sank. They further stated that they originally departed Senegal's M'Bour coast with a total of 60 people on board.

This tragedy comes amidst a surge in migration attempts towards the Canary Islands. Reports indicate that over 220 irregular migrants reached the archipelago in four separate groups within the last two days.

The distressed boat was reportedly spotted by a passing oil tanker traveling from Brazil to the Spanish port of Cartagena. Search efforts are likely underway for the missing migrants. (ILKHA)