An investigation has been launched to assess the exact events that led to the deaths. Due to the advanced stage of decomposition of the bodies, further details could not be established at the time of the discovery.

Authorities are now examining where the vessel originated from and when it departed, as well as the identities of the deceased.

The number of such tragedies at sea off the West African coast is increasing, as more and more people are attempting perilous sea journeys through the Atlantic in the hope of reaching Spain’s Canary Islands.

'Advanced state of decomposition'

Senegal's navy says that it was alerted to the incident late on Sunday, September 22. A patrol boat was then tasked with towing the wooden fishing boat — known as a pirogue — to the port of Dakar.

Upon arrival at around 6 am on Monday, a team of doctors, fire service personnel and other emergency personnel began to assess the situation.

An army statement highlighted that authorities had to proceed with great caution. "Recovery, identification and transfer operations are being made extremely delicate by the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies," the statement said, adding that so far, a total of 30 bodies have been counted.

One of the deadliest sea routes

Senegal has become one of the main departure points in West Africa for migrants hoping to reach European soil. The journey from Senegal extends for more than 1,500-kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean. The boats used by migrants are often overloaded and not equipped for the strong currents and heavy winds that prevail in the area.

Thousands of deaths and disappearances are recorded along the route every year, with an unknown number of instances never discovered or recorded.

Also read: Ongoing migrant arrivals further strain capacities on the Canary Islands

Thousands attempt dangerous crossing

Earlier this month, another 39 people were confirmed to have died when a boat carrying migrants sank off the western Senegalese port town of Mbour.

In recent months, the Senegalese navy has stepped up patrols off the coast and has reportedly intercepted over 1,700 migrants.

Meanwhile, more than 19,000 people from across West Africa managed to reach the Canaries in the first half of this year, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM), significantly more than in the first half of 2023.

In total, around 40,000 people reached the Canary Islands during the whole of last year.

Also read: Senegal vows to tackle sea migration after latest incident at sea

Efforts to curb irregular migration

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has vowed to "relentlessly track down" migrant smugglers to try to stop the rising rate of deaths linked to migration. 

He has also announced plans to create more opportunities for the country’s youth in particular but earlier in September, he dismissed parliament, calling for snap elections to be held in November. Faye said he could not get enough support in parliament to implement programs to improve the lives of Senegalese people.

Meanwhile, the Spanish government is trying to address irregular migration from Senegal. During a tour to West Africa last month, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez signed agreements with the governments of Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania to promote further channels of legal migration based on Spain’s labor needs.

Also read: Spain's circular migration policy explained

with AFP, dpa