A deadly Senegal boat sinking has killed at least 39 migrants off the country’s Atlantic coast. A human rights group is now demanding a parliamentary investigation into the tragedy.
The boat overturned near the Lompoul dunes on Sunday, November 8, while travelling towards Spain’s Canary Islands.
According to Al Jazeera, Reuters and the Associated Press (AP), only one passenger was rescued alive. Several others remain missing.
Senegal boat sinking leaves 39 dead
The wooden fishing boat, known locally as a pirogue, departed from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal.
It was heading towards Spain when it overturned near Lompoul, about 180 kilometres north of Dakar.
Rescue teams initially reported 21 deaths. However, the toll later rose to 34 as emergency workers recovered more bodies.
The number then increased to at least 39.
Senegal’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the vessel was carrying people attempting to migrate without official authorisation.
However, authorities have not confirmed the total number of passengers on board.
Search and rescue operations continued as families awaited news of missing relatives.
Rights group demands parliamentary inquiry
Senegalese human rights organisation Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA) has called for a parliamentary investigation.
The group criticised the government’s response to repeated migrant deaths at sea.
In particular, ADHA questioned whether existing measures had delivered lasting results.
The organisation referred to previously announced funding of €300,000 for the navy and training for more than 300 officers.
Despite those measures, ADHA said dangerous crossings and migrant deaths remained a serious concern.
The group urged lawmakers to examine the country’s migration policies and prevention efforts.
Senegal president pledges action against traffickers
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
He also pledged stronger action against traffickers involved in organising dangerous sea journeys.
However, the latest tragedy has renewed questions about how Senegal can prevent further deaths.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for greater protection of migrants and safer migration options.
Meanwhile, authorities continue efforts to stop dangerous departures along the Atlantic coast.
Atlantic migration route remains deadly
The Senegal boat sinking highlights the dangers facing people attempting to reach Europe from West Africa.
Many migrants travel aboard small, overcrowded fishing boats. The Atlantic crossing can expose passengers to strong currents, rough seas and limited emergency assistance.
According to migrant rights organisation Walking Borders, 635 people died attempting the route during the first five months of 2026.
Thousands have lost their lives on the crossing in recent years.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Canary Islands are facing a sharp rise in arrivals.
Authorities on El Hierro declared an emergency after more than 3,300 people arrived aboard approximately 30 boats in early November.
The increase has placed pressure on reception facilities and local services.
For now, the latest tragedy has intensified calls for stronger protection measures and a review of Senegal’s approach to dangerous migration journeys.