A week on the open Atlantic, hoping to reach Europe
Oct 14, 2024
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Blanca Munoz, a BBC journalist reporting from Senegal, and Efrem Gebreab, an Africa Eye journalist, provide an eye-opening look into the perilous journey of migrants like Mouhamed attempting the treacherous crossing to the Canary Islands. They discuss the socio-economic challenges driving this migration, including the impact of Senegal's political landscape and the lure of European opportunities. Their insights paint a vivid picture of hope and desperation as they articulate the emotional toll and risks faced by those seeking a better life.
Mouhamed's perilous journey across the Atlantic highlights the extreme risks migrants take for a chance at a better future in Europe.
Even after reaching the Canary Islands, many migrants face significant challenges such as undocumented status, discrimination, and limited job opportunities.
Deep dives
The Perilous Journey Across the Atlantic
The journey from the west coast of Africa to the Canary Islands spans approximately 600 miles and is fraught with danger. Many migrants embark on this treacherous sea crossing in overcrowded and fragile boats known as pirogues, often carrying nearly 200 passengers. Despite the high risk of capsizing and the unpredictability of the Atlantic's conditions, many believe the peril is worth taking for a chance at a better life in Europe. As conditions at sea can range from rough to devastating, the extended travel duration—sometimes taking up to two weeks—exemplifies the extreme challenges these individuals face in their quest for safety and stability.
Personal Stories of Hope and Desperation
The story of migrants often centers around individuals like Mohamed, who endure immense personal sacrifice and hardship for their families. After months of preparation and despite the dire risks associated with the journey, he decided to pursue a better future after enduring unemployment and economic struggles. Faced with the reality of limited resources and harsh living conditions at home, individuals like Mohamed often feel compelled to take extreme measures, such as hiring smugglers and risking their lives on uncertain sea voyages. His personal experience highlights the broader issues surrounding migration, including the desperation for a stable income and security that drives many to leave their homes.
The Reality of Arrival and Ongoing Challenges
Achieving the dream of reaching Europe through the Canary Islands does not guarantee a better life, as many migrants encounter additional hardships upon arrival. Although the islands serve as a gateway into Europe, the realities of undocumented status, discrimination, and limited job opportunities persist for those who successfully make the journey. Many migrants, while hopeful about sending remittances back home to support their families, often find themselves in precarious situations, living in temporary accommodations and facing bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these challenges, there remains a resilient desire among migrants like Mohamed to attempt the journey again, underscoring the persistent hope for a brighter future despite past failures.
The BBC’s Africa Eye has been following one man’s journey as he travels hundreds of miles on the open ocean in the hopes of reaching Europe. Mouhamed is one of a growing number of people attempting to travel from Senegal to Spain’s Canary Islands.
The journey is ten times longer than the boats crossing the Mediterranean, taking days and sometimes week across parts of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also riskier and more lethal.
You can watch the full documentary 'Dark Waters: Africa's Deadliest Migration Route' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajX6NaVks3w
Caitriona Perry speaks to Blanca Munoz and Efrem Gebreab who followed Mouhamed’s journey for the BBC’s Africa Eye.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanaugh
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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