Most Migrants Drowned Off Spain Coast Never Found: NGO
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published June 25, 2019 | 10:44 PM
Fewer than a quarter of the more than 1,000 migrants who died crossing the Mediterranean to Spain from North Africa since the start of 2018 have been found, a Spanish group said Tuesday
The remains of 204 migrants were retrieved of the 1,020 who disappeared while attempting the crossing between January 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019, migrant rights NGO Caminando Fronteras or "Walking Borders" in English, said in a report.
"There are certainly other" victims, Caminando Fronteras head Helena Maleno told a news conference.
"But we are certain of these cases because our job is to investigate with the families, to put a name to each (victim) and document how these shipwrecks happen. Families are being denied the right to mourn," she added.
The group's figures are close to those of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which found that 952 migrants died or were missing while trying to reach Spain from North Africa since the start of 2018.
Following crackdowns on immigration by Italy and other countries, Spain last year became the preferred route to Europe for migrants although those numbers started falling dramatically at the start of this year.
Many have crossed the 15-kilometre (9-mile) Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco, often in small, overcrowded inflatable boats unfit for open waters.
Activists accuse European countries of leaving sea rescues to Morocco and other North African countries with fewer resources and experience, potentially putting lives in danger.
Maleno said Spain was doing "practically the same thing" as Italy's hardline Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and "withdrawing" from migrant rescues in "a more disguised way".
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said last week that Spain's policy regarding the rescue of migrants has not changed.
Twelve boats carrying migrants to Spain have gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2018, according to Caminando Fronteras.
"These tragedies are the most distressing and hurtful because of their impact, no survivor can establish a story and the truth of the disappearances," the group wrote in its report.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
Pakistan, Qatar agree to further expand trade, investment ties
Sindh cabinet approves Rs177.5m to strengthen, mobilize various wings of police
Faisal Karim Kundi takes oath as new KP Governor
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Chaudhry seeks more vibrant ..
Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home providing care & support to homeless children
PCB proposes April 7 -May 20 window; tweaks in rules for HBL PSL 2025
Field hospitals now operational across Punjab: Azma Bukhari
More Stories From World
-
Football: French Ligue 1 results - collated
5 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A results - collated
5 hours ago -
European Champions Cup semi-final result
5 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
5 hours ago -
Tennis: WTA Madrid Open results
5 hours ago -
Formula One: Miami Grand Prix sprint race results
5 hours ago
-
Barca have 'huge amount' to change next season: coach Xavi
5 hours ago -
Haaland 'back to business' with four-goal haul in Man City rout of Wolves
5 hours ago -
Newcomer Bellingham Madrid's driving force in La Liga conquest
6 hours ago -
Girona players have made history, says coach after reaching Champions League
6 hours ago -
Reus begins farewell tour while Bayern stumble in Stuttgart
6 hours ago -
Real Madrid La Liga title win in numbers
6 hours ago