Each year, thousands of migrants risk dangerous sea crossings from African shores, hoping to reach Europe, often traveling in fragile, makeshift boats.

The sinking of a vessel carrying migrants in Moroccan waters on December 19 resulted in 70 people missing, including 25 from Mali, as confirmed by the Malian government on Thursday.

Approximately 80 migrants were aboard the vessel destined for Spain, with "25 young Malians unfortunately identified among the victims," the government stated.

Eleven individuals were rescued, nine of whom were from Mali, according to the statement, which referenced information from regional embassies, officials, victims' families, and survivors.

Each year, thousands of migrants undertake perilous sea crossings from African coasts, aiming to reach Europe, often using flimsy, makeshift vessels.

More than 10,400 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain since 2024, as reported by the Spanish migration NGO Caminando Fronteras. This includes a record number of fatalities among those heading for the Canary Islands. According to the report released Thursday, the average number of deaths has been approximately 30 per day, making 2024 the deadliest year recorded by the organization.

The Canary Islands lie 100 kilometers (62 miles) off North Africa's coast at their closest point. The shortest route connects the coastal town of Tarfaya in southern Morocco to Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands. However, to evade detection, smugglers often choose longer and more hazardous routes, venturing westward into the open Atlantic before turning north toward the Canaries.

The Atlantic route is particularly treacherous, as many overcrowded and poorly equipped boats cannot withstand the powerful ocean currents. Some boats embark from African beaches located as far as 1,000 kilometers from the Canary Islands.

Mali has been enduring a severe security crisis since 2012, marked by attacks from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State organization, as well as violence from separatist movements and criminal gangs.

According to estimates by the International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, over 16,400 migrants have died since 2014 while attempting to reach Europe from Africa. This figure includes those taking the dangerous route to the Canary Islands.