Woman dies after rescue of migrant boat off El Hierro, 165 people saved
via SeneNews1 min read
A woman died on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after a boat carrying 165 migrants was rescued off the Spanish island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands. The vessel, which departed from Gambia, was spotted in the Tacor贸n area, in the Mar de las Calmas, by the fishing boat Restinga. Spanish rescue teams intervened, and the Salvamar Diphda, deployed by Salvamento Mar铆timo, towed the boat to the port of La Restinga, where it arrived around 5 PM. Upon disembarkation, several passengers were in critical condition. In addition to the woman who died, fifteen people were evacuated to medical facilities. This included a six-month-old baby who was airlifted to a hospital in Tenerife due to their critical condition. Fourteen other migrants were admitted to El Hierro hospital, some also showing severe symptoms. Initially, rescue services had reported a second death, but later corrected the information, stating that the man was among those hospitalized. This incident highlights the dangers of the Atlantic migratory route, which is considered one of the deadliest in the world for those attempting to reach Europe.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSenegal is preparing to host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games YOG with a record delegation of 139 athletes, surpassing China's 2014 record of 120. With 100 days until the opening ceremony, Senegal will present its largest-ever Olympic delegation, competing in 25 disciplines. Avelino Gomez Monteiro, president of the technical commission of the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee CNOSS, highlighted the exceptional nature of this number, stating that no other host country has achieved it. The YOG Dakar 2026, running from October 31 to November 13 under the slogan "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates," marks a historic first for the African continent. The event will gather 2,700 young athletes globally across 35 sports, held at eight venues in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, supported by 6,000 volunteers. The CNOSS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has implemented an extensive preparation program. Since January 2025, periodic training camps have been organized during school holidays for pre-selected young talents. Starting in August, 220 athletes will enter a 90-day closed camp before the final selection of the 139 representatives. Thirteen disciplines will also benefit from a 65-day preparation camp in China, including sparring sessions with Chinese athletes. Experts from INSEPS Paris have also assisted Senegalese technicians in talent detection. Monteiro expressed confidence in Senegal's ambitions, noting that the participants' age can reduce sk
Sakory Ka, brother of former minister Doudou Ka, and J茅r么me Bandiaky were sentenced to six months in prison for unauthorized possession of weapons by the third criminal chamber of the Dakar court. They were acquitted of more serious charges including illicit arms trafficking, usurpation of public functions, fraud involving state benefits, and acts undermining public security. Sakory Ka, detained since November 28, 2024, has served 21 months in prison. J茅r么me Bandiaky, incarcerated since September 25, 2024, has served over two years but remains in detention for another case. Doudou Ka reacted to his brother's release, stating that his brother, Papis Ka, was targeted through "grave and fallacious accusations" and that the justice system has now acquitted him of these serious charges, condemning him only for the unauthorized possession of their deceased father's weapon. He added that former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko "no longer has his political police."
Must ReadArmed individuals killed approximately 23 people in attacks on five villages in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, according to local officials. Nasiru Lauwali, a councilor for the Sauna district in the Talata Mafara local government area, reported that 21 bodies were recovered following an invasion by "bandits" who shot at residents. Alhaji Shehu Garba, the secretary of the Sauna district, confirmed the attacks occurred in five villages, stating that eight people were killed in Dangaya, eight in Tudun Namali, five in Marannai, one in Sauna, and one in Dankamali, totaling 23 fatalities, mostly farmers. Three injured individuals were admitted to Talata Mafara General Hospital before being transferred to a university hospital in neighboring Sokoto State. The police have not yet responded to inquiries. Northwestern and central Nigeria have experienced years of violence from criminal gangs, locally known as "bandits," who attack villages, steal livestock, and engage in kidnapping and killings. These groups, primarily motivated by financial gain, are increasingly concerning authorities due to their growing ties with jihadists. Separately, over 40 people were abducted by a criminal gang in Zamfara State over the weekend.