Senegal Migrant Boat Tragedy: Death Toll Rises To 39

The death toll from a migrant boat that capsized off the northwestern coast of Senegal has increased to 39 after rescue workers recovered additional bodies.

Senegalese emergency services confirmed the updated death toll on Monday, November 9, 2026, following ongoing search and rescue operations.

The boat reportedly departed from Saint-Louis, a town in northern Senegal, and was heading towards the Spanish coast when it capsized on Sunday near Kébémer, north of the capital, Dakar.

Following the incident, Senegal’s Interior Ministry initially announced that 21 people had died, while only one survivor had been rescued. However, the death toll increased after more bodies were recovered from the waters.

Authorities have yet to disclose the exact number of passengers aboard the vessel, while several people are still believed to be missing.

The route, which connects parts of West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, has witnessed several deadly incidents involving overcrowded and poorly equipped boats carrying migrants across the Atlantic Ocean.

Meanwhile, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

The President also pledged that his administration would intensify efforts to dismantle networks involved in organising and facilitating dangerous irregular migration journeys.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by migrants who risk their lives on unsafe sea journeys in the hope of reaching Europe.

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