‘Try or die’ - one man’s determination to get to the Canary Islands

Mouhamed Oualy, a farmer from Senegal, is preparing for a dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago. Despite never having been on a boat before, he is determined to make this perilous trip, which has become notorious for its high risks and tragic outcomes. The Atlantic has claimed many lives, turning it into a graveyard for countless migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Mouhamed has received a call from the boat operators, urging him to get ready for departure. He is asking for prayers as he embarks on this life-changing adventure. The journey is expected to take several days, if not weeks, and he will be traveling on an overcrowded pirogue, a traditional wooden fishing canoe. The distance from Senegal to the Canary Islands is between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest and most dangerous migrant routes in the world. Many migrants face severe challenges during the crossing, including storms, strong currents, and the risk of running out of water. The fear and panic can be overwhelming, especially at night when the dark waters can make people feel lost and hopeless. The number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands has surged, with the local government warning that their emergency services are overwhelmed and at breaking point. Mouhamed's family back in Senegal relies on the little money he earns from farming. He has not seen them for almost a year, as he moved closer to the coast to prepare for this journey. To fund his trip, he has been working as a motorbike taxi driver and borrowing money from friends to gather the $1,000 fee required to board a boat. He is cautious about being scammed, so he has made an agreement with the smugglers to only pay the full amount if he successfully reaches the islands. Mouhamed is acutely aware of the dangers that lie ahead. He expresses his fears about the treacherous waters, saying, 'Nobody knows what could happen to me in these waters. The evil spirits of the sea could kill me. ' He understands that the journey could end in tragedy, with boats capsizing and lives lost. The Atlantic crossing has seen many boats disappear, and without proper navigation, some end up drifting far off course, sometimes reaching as far as Brazil. If Mouhamed survives the journey, he hopes to find work and support his family, but he is keeping his plans a secret to avoid causing them worry. The economic situation in Senegal is dire, with over a third of the population living in poverty, despite some economic growth in recent years. Mouhamed has tried various jobs, but nothing has improved his situation. He feels immense pressure to succeed, as he believes he is his family's only hope. The Canary Islands have become a primary entry point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe, especially after other routes have become more difficult due to stricter border controls. In 2023, nearly 40,000 migrants have arrived in the islands, the highest number in three decades. The local government is concerned about the increasing number of arrivals, fearing that the worst is yet to come as weather conditions improve. In an exclusive interview, the president of the Canary Islands government, Fernando Clavijo, described the emergency services as 'oversaturated' and struggling to cope with the influx of migrants. He stated, 'Every 45 minutes, a migrant dies trying to reach our beaches. ' This alarming statistic highlights the growing power of trafficking mafias that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking a better life. The situation has sparked a national debate in Spain about how to address irregular migration, with calls for more support for the Canary Islands. As Mouhamed prepares to leave, he joins other migrants in a secret location, waiting for their departure. He has packed only a few bottles of water and some biscuits for the journey. The first days at sea are challenging, as he feels constantly sick and has to stand due to the cramped conditions. He even resorts to drinking seawater when he runs out of fresh water. The atmosphere on the boat becomes tense as some passengers panic, and the crew must intervene to prevent anyone from falling overboard. The United Nations has reported that the Atlantic route is becoming the deadliest migrant journey in the world, with over 800 people having died or gone missing in 2024 alone. The smugglers who organize these trips are making significant profits, treating migrants as mere commodities. Mouhamed's journey takes a turn when the boat's engine fails just a day away from the Canary Islands. The captain refuses to turn back, leading to a heated argument among the passengers. Ultimately, the captain decides to return to Senegal, leaving Mouhamed back at square one. Despite the setback, he remains hopeful and determined to try again. He believes that if he dies at sea, it is God's choice, but he is willing to take that risk for the sake of his family.