More than 3,200 people reach Canary Islands in five days, putting reception services under pressure
Provisional figures for 1–5 November show a sharp rise in arrivals by sea, mainly on El Hierro. The report gives no separate total for Fuerteventura.
More than 3,200 people reached the Canary Islands in 39 boats in the first five days of November 2026. EFE reported the provisional figures from emergency services. The arrivals put rescue crews and initial reception services under renewed pressure.
The rise follows the rescue of 6,164 people in October. The latest figures were still provisional at 19:00 on 5 November, as rescue work continued.
The figures cover the whole of the Canary Islands. Most people arrived on El Hierro. The report gives no separate November arrival total for Fuerteventura. This is an important distinction for readers on the island.
Transfers resume to ease pressure on El Hierro
El Hierro received 2,300 people in 26 boats between 1 and 5 November. They included 307 minors, of whom 11 were babies. The Spanish Government Delegation arranged several ferry transfers this week to free up space at initial reception centres.
Government delegate Anselmo Pestana said transfers had resumed to ease pressure on the islands’ limited resources if more people arrived. On 5 November, he acknowledged that some services on El Hierro were under pressure. But he said the transfers meant the system was working normally.
Police unions Jupol, SUP and UFP described greater strain. They warned that officers based on El Hierro were at their limit. Maritime rescue union sources also said crews were exhausted, though enough rescue vessels were available there.
Lanzarote records 435 arrivals
Lanzarote recorded 435 people rescued over the same period. They included at least 76 minors. Gran Canaria recorded 224, Tenerife 175 and La Gomera 80.
Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo called for an urgent meeting with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez to coordinate the response. He also asked for further measures and resources. He expressed concern that arrivals could rise further in the coming months.