More than 3,000 people died in 2025 while attempting to reach Spain by sea, according to a report released Monday by rights group “Caminando Fronteras.” The group documented a total of 3,090 deaths, Spain’s press agency EFE reported.
The findings are detailed in the report “Monitoreo Derecho a la Vida 2025,” which tracks deaths along maritime routes to Spain up to December 15. Of those who died, 192 were women and 437 were minors.
Arrivals to the Canary Islands dropped by nearly 60%, contributing to fewer deaths on the Atlantic route, historically the deadliest.
However, the report notes a significant rise in tragedies on the Algerian route toward the Balearic Islands, particularly toward Ibiza and Formentera. This Mediterranean corridor accounted for 121 of the 303 recorded incidents in 2025, making it the most active route this year.
Despite fewer overall crossings, the Canary Islands route remained the most lethal, with 1,906 deaths, compared with 1,037 on Mediterranean routes. The use of larger vessels on the Atlantic crossing means that when accidents occur, they often result in higher loss of life.
Caminando Fronteras also warned of the emergence of a new, longer, and more dangerous route from Guinea-Conakry, increasingly used by women and children. In the Strait of Gibraltar, the group observed more attempts to swim across, with 139 deaths recorded, nearly a quarter involving minors.
The report renews calls for stronger search-and-rescue coordination and policies centered on safeguarding the right to life along Europe’s maritime borders.