ALGIERS, Algeria — At least 17 Somali migrants have died after a boat capsized between Spain and Algeria while heading to Europe.
The vessel encountered rough sea conditions during the journey, which caused it to overturn, according to initial reports from officials and local sources.
The victims were said to include five women and 12 men who were seeking better opportunities and livelihoods in Europe.
The incident shows continuing risks of irregular migration routes, where overcrowded boats and unsafe conditions often lead to deadly accidents at sea.
The Somali Embassy in Algeria said it has recently worked to curb irregular migration and increase awareness among Somali youth populations.
The embassy said those efforts have helped reduce deaths, but added that the latest tragedy shows dangers remain for migrants.
Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the capsizing and how the boat came to overturn.
Some victims’ identities are expected to be released after confirmation of details is received from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Thursday, 174 Somali migrants repatriated from Libya arrived in Mogadishu with support from the International Organization for Migration and European Union.
Many migrants are reportedly lured by smugglers with false promises of reaching Europe, later facing detention, abuse, and ransom demands abroad.
The deaths have shocked Somali communities, renewing debate over how to address root causes driving young people into dangerous migration journeys.
Algeria’s route is widely used due to lower costs, despite migrant deaths in recent years, renewing debate over how to address the dangerous migration.