At least 39 dead and just one survivor after migrant boat capsizes off the coast of Senegal

At least 39 people have died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Senegal. The boat, which left the city of Saint-Louis, located in the northwest of Senegal, was heading towards the Spanish coast when it overturned on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Interior, only one passenger was rescued alive near the town of Kébémer, north of the capital Dakar. Early reports said the death toll was 21, but more bodies were discovered on Monday – bringing the total number of fatalities to 39. It has not been confirmed how many people were on the boat.It has not yet been confirmed how many people were on the boat before it overturned (AFP/Getty)The vessel was following a well-traveled migration route for thousands of young Senegalese seeking better economic conditions. They risk perilous conditions to travel on uncovered wooden canoes for around 800 miles on the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe. Young people from the country in particular face high unemployment and poverty as Senegal struggles with an economic crisis.Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye offered condolences and vowed to clamp down on networks behind the dangerous crossings.Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye offered condolences following the incident (AFP/Getty)On Monday, Greek authorities also recovered 13 bodies from a boat found sailing near the island of Crete.According to the coast guard, a passing Moroccan-flagged cargo ship rescued 18 people from the same vessel, which was carrying migrants. One more person was confirmed dead at a health centre in Crete after the people on board were taken ashore – bringing the total death toll to 14.Another two boats, one carrying about 47 people and another with about 40 people on board, were also found sailing south of the tourist island.Greece is one of the main entry points into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In recent months, thousands have been making the dangerous sea crossing from north Africa, usually from Libya to Crete.Others have made the far shorter but often equally life-threatening crossing from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, often in unseaworthy inflatable dinghies or other small boats. In October, 12 people, including an infant, died when the two boats they were traveling in from Turkey to the islands of Lesbos and Samos capsized.