The Senegalese navy intercepted 201 West African migrants in the west of the country as the Atlantic Ocean crossing remains the most popular – and deadliest – migration route from Africa to Europe.

The operation was carried out by the Senegalese marines based in Foundiougne, in the Fatick region of western Senegal. Sixty-nine people were arrested on land, according to the statement, while 132 others were intercepted aboard a small wooden boat, or pirogue, in the Saloum Delta on Tuesday evening.

While migration to Europe has been steadily declining, the Atlantic Ocean crossing between West Africa and Spain’s Canary Islands has resurfaced since 2020. Nearly 47,000 people landed in the Canaries in 2024, up from nearly 40,000 in 2023, according to figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry.

Those arrested Wednesday are of various West African nationalities, including several women and children, according to DIRPA. The Saloum Delta is an increasingly common departure point for illegal migrants.

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Last year, the European Union signed a €210 million agreement with Mauritania to prevent smugglers from launching boats bound for Spain. So far, this agreement has had little impact on migrant arrivals.