At least 56 migrants die in weekend shipwrecks off Senegal and Greece

Three migrants look out to sea on the Greek island of Lesvos, a few of the fortunate ones who survive the dangers of being smuggled and trafficked.

At least 56 people died in a series of shipwrecks off Senegal and Greece over the weekend, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday, calling it a stark reminder of the deadly risks they face on the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

“These were mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, people who left home hoping for a better life,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope .

“Smugglers and traffickers charged them for a dangerous journey on boats that were not fit for the sea. These networks profit from desperation, and every day they operate, more lives are put at risk .

“Countries must go after them together and give people safe, legal ways to move. Our hearts are with every family waiting for news.”

Off the coast of northwestern Senegal, at least 34 people died on Friday when a boat carrying migrants capsized near Loumpoul, between Dakar and Saint-Louis.

One survivor was rescued and an unknown number of people remain missing, according to Senegalese authorities and public reports. Search operations are continuing, and the death toll remains provisional.

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