Migrant Boat Capsizes off Canary Islands, Killing Seven

Canary Islands Migrant Boat Capsizing: Four Women, Three Children Dead A tragic incident unfolded in the port of La Restinga, El Hierro, Canary Islands, on May 28, 2025, when a cayuco carrying approximately 160 migrants capsized during the disembarkation process. The accident resulted in the heartbreaking loss of four women and three young girls—two aged 5 and one aged 16. At least seven more people sustained injuries and required hospital treatment. Footage from the scene shows the chaotic struggle as migrants desperately tried to reach safety. The video captures the urgency of the rescue efforts as rescuers pulled survivors from the water. The overturned cayuco is visible, highlighting the precarious nature of the vessel. "The moment of transferring migrants is the most delicate," explained Anselmo Pestana, the Spanish government's delegate in the Canary Islands. "It's always done in port whenever possible to minimize the risks." He also noted the extreme exhaustion of the migrants after their arduous journey. Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo added, "The boat was like having compartments, and there were people in the lower part of the cayuco who couldn't get out." His statement underscores the overcrowding and the challenges faced by those trapped below deck. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea journeys. The rescue efforts, though successful in saving many lives, highlight the urgent need for safer and more regulated migration routes.