Spanish territory fears it is 'the new Ceuta' and declares an emergency as huge numbers of illegal migrants arrive

A Spanish tourist hotspot fears it has become 'the new Ceuta' and has declared a state of emergency after a recent surge in small-boat arrivals from Africa. Nearly 5,000 illegal migrants have arrived in El Hierro, one of Spain's Canary Islands, this month.It comes as at least 35 people were killed on Sunday after a small boat sank off the coast of Senegal, attempting to make the journey to Europe. The recent influx of migrants comes as the Spanish territory of Ceuta grapples with a migration crisis that unfolded in July when 72,000 people swam, scrambled or charged into the enclave neighbouring Morocco. At least 90 people died in their effort to reach Europe, and while most migrants quickly returned or were ushered back over the border, around 5,000 remain, according to the national government, putting a strain on resources and angering Ceuta's residents. Maritime services in El Hierro said they rescued 3,261 migrants in the first six days of November, with regional authorities warning on Friday the numbers were 'absolutely unsustainable.' As of Monday, Spanish outlets reported that the figure was nearing 5,000 after 10 more small boats carrying hundreds of people arrived on the island over the weekend. A spokesperson for the island's Unified Police Union said authorities were 'overwhelmed' and struggling to cope with the number of arrivals, warning, 'we are experiencing a situation similar to the one we experience in Ceuta, out of control and overwhelming.' Migrants wait to be attended to by the Red Cross after disembarking at the port of La Estaca in Valverde, on the island of El Hierro, Spain, November 8, 2026 Nearly 5,000 illegal migrants have arrived in El Hierro this month, according to local authorities A spokesperson for the island's Unified Police Union said authorities were 'overwhelmed' and struggling to cope with the number of arrivals. Pictured: Migrants rest after disembarking from a Spanish Coast Vessel on El Hierro El Hierro, with a population of about 11,400, is one of Europe's main entry points for migrants from West Africa.Alpidio Armas, head of El Hierro's governing council, told Spanish television over the weekend: 'We are very concerned...by this sharp increase in arrivals.''This is precisely what has led us to declare an emergency in order to ensure a framework of cooperation with higher-level institutions.' Images showed hundreds of migrants at the port of La Restinga, on El Hierro, after Spain's maritime rescue service rescued about 500 people from two boats on Thursday night, recovering one body.At least nine migrants have died off Spain's Canary Islands, and a critically ill baby was airlifted to hospital upon arrival in recent weeks, while thousands of other people have been rescued.The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the world's deadliest migration crossings. Thousands of migrants attempt the journey each year in overcrowded boats, seeking to reach Spanish territory despite rough seas, strong currents and long distances.Attempted crossings typically pick up in the autumn months, when sea conditions along the route are generally calmer and more favourable.Still, migrant arrivals were down nearly 61% in the first 10 months of 2026 versus the same period of 2024, when the island reached a record of more than 46,000 arrivals. 164 migrants arrive at the port of La Restinga after being rescued by the Maritime Rescue Service vessel, Salvamar Mizar, near El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain, 07 November 2026 El Hierro, with a population of about 11,400, is one of Europe's main entry points for migrants from West Africa Red Cross personnel assist migrants rescued from two boats in the Canary Islands, Spain, 07 November 2026 The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the world's deadliest migration crossings Thousands of migrants attempt the journey each year in overcrowded boats Migrants wait to disembark from a Spanish coast guard vessel at the port of La Restinga, on the island of El Hierro, Spain, November 5Clavijo said calm sea conditions were fuelling the new surge in departures towards the islands.Migrant arrivals were straining healthcare and transport services, he said, with buses diverted to migration operations and medical staff brought in from other islands to La Restinga.At least 35 people died off the coast of Senegal on Sunday in the latest tragedy along the dangerous Atlantic Ocean route from Africa to Europe. Along this route, thousands of people have died in recent years trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands from West Africa.An initial statement from the Senegalese interior ministry said 21 bodies and only one survivor had been recovered following the sinking, but that those numbers were provisional as the search continued.Later Sunday however, the Senegalese Press Agency (APS) said the toll now stood at 34 at least, a figure confirmed by Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA) in a statement to AFP.An 'indeterminate number' of people were reported missing, APS added.The toll then rose further on Sunday night to at least 35, with one survivor, according to the emergency services. 'It's a provisional toll which has been changing since Friday.'An interior ministry source added: 'The toll will unfortunately rise.'Media reports said the pirogue-type flat-bottom boat capsized on Saturday off the Loumpoul dunes in Kebemer department, between Dakar and the northern city of Saint-Louis.However, Saliou Diouf, founder of Senegal's main migrant aid association Boza Fii, told AFP that the sinking occurred on Friday.The nationalities of all the victims had not been confirmed as the search continues, he said.'But the bodies recovered yesterday (Saturday) are Senegalese,' he added.Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye wrote on Facebook on Sunday: 'All state authorities and resources have been mobilised to locate those who have gone missing, provide care for the survivors and support families.' Following the border rush into Ceuta in July, the Spanish government has been facing mounting pressure over its handling of the migration crisis. While the national government says around 5,000 migrants remain in the enclave, Ceuta's mayor says up to 15,000 remain. Local authorities also accuse the government of ignoring warning signs before the border was breached. Many migrants in Ceuta, including unaccompanied minors, remain sleeping in the streets despite authorities' efforts to shelter, register and deport those who are eligible back to Morocco.