Canary Islands Tragedy: Migrant Boat Capsize Claims Seven Lives

Tragedy in the Canary Islands: Migrant Boat Capsizes, Seven Dead A boat carrying approximately 160 migrants capsized off the coast of El Hierro, Canary Islands, on May 29, 2025, resulting in at least seven deaths, including two minors. The incident unfolded as the vessel, a cayuco (a type of small boat often used by migrants), arrived at the La Restinga dock. The capsizing triggered a dramatic rescue operation involving Salvamento Marítimo (Spain's maritime rescue service), local fishermen, and divers. "It was chaos," reported Eduardo Pulido of Television Canaria, who was on the scene. "People were jumping into the water, others were trapped inside the capsized boat." The urgency of the situation is evident in the video footage showing rescuers pulling survivors from the water and the overturned boat. Several survivors were transported to hospitals in Tenerife. Two minors remain in critical condition, while four others are in stable condition. The video footage shows the heartbreaking scene of many lifeless bodies floating in the water after the rescue operation. The incident underscores the dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea crossings. The Spanish authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the tragic accident.