By Adama Makasuba
A boat carrying 39 African migrants including five Gambians has arrived in the Spanish Canaria city. The boat also carried 31 Senegalese and 3 Guinean it took off in Senegal nearly two weeks ago.
“A migrant boat has left Senegal 10 days ago with 39 people on a boat, 31 Senegalese, 5 Gambians and 3 Guineans and they have arrived in Canaria Island, and 4 people among were transferred to the hospital. They have been saved by the Spanish Civil Guards,” Italy-based Gambian Ebrima Drammeh told The Voice.
Last week dozens of African migrants including two Gambians died in Senegal after their boat caught fire.
Meanwhile, he added: “Libyan Coast Guard ship “Zawiya” rescued north of Zuwara 61 African migrants today including women and children from a rubber boat that was adrift for over a week after the engine broke down.”
According to him, all the survivors disembarked at the Refinery Point in Zawiya where they received medical and humanitarian assistance provided by international organizations.
“All survivors disembarked at the Refinery Point in Zawiya where they received medical and humanitarian assistance provided by international organizations. 34 migrants were hospitalized with first-degree burns after exposure to sun, gasoline, and seawater. According to survivor testimonies, 22 migrants are missing including 2 deceased children which were thrown overboard.
“Ambulance and Emergency Service rescue team today jointly with Sabil Al-Salam Border Protection Bn recovered 20 bodies of Sub Sahara African migrants 310 km south of Kufra. The migrants died of thirst in the desert after their vehicle broke down. All bodies were transferred to Kufra for forensic examination and burial. So far, authorities were able to establish the identity of only 2 victims,” he added.
