Puerto del Rosario vigil calls for safer migration routes and stronger sea rescue

Entre Mares called for safe, legal migration routes from Africa and stronger search-and-rescue services. The call followed a minute’s silence in Puerto del Rosario on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

The gathering took place at noon in the church square in Fuerteventura’s capital. The association’s president, Marco Rodríguez, then read a statement. It offered condolences to the families of 12 people who had died in the three most recent fatal crossings towards the Canary Islands.

The association said the deaths could have been avoided. It urged officials from the Spanish state and the Canary Islands to support safe, legal routes for people travelling from Africa. It also called for more resources to search for people at sea. Rescue procedures should suit the Canary Islands route, it said.

Concerns over border controls and rescue

Entre Mares criticised Spanish and European Union migration policies. It focused on the handover of border controls to third countries, highlighting Mauritania. It cited analysis by the NGO Caminando Fronteras, which found that new controls had reduced departures. It also cited reports from other groups of torture and abuse against migrants and refugees.

The association cited figures from Caminando Fronteras that recorded 1,317 deaths between 1 January and 31 May 2026. Those who died included 142 women and 129 children. During those five months, 27 boats disappeared with everyone on board, according to the figures presented.

Entre Mares said current search-and-rescue practices did not meet the route’s needs. Its statement also challenged media coverage of migration and called for rigorous reporting.