Panic on Spanish island loved by Brits as 2,200 migrants arrive in just 2 days

Detailed summary

Spanish authorities have declared an emergency across the popular holiday hotspot after a record-breaking weekend surge sparked fears of a major crisis.

Spain has declared a state of emergency in the Canary Islands after a massive influx of 2,200 migrants arrived at the beloved British tourist destination in just 48 hours. Local officials have pleaded with Madrid for urgent help after record numbers of people reached the archipelago from Africa over the weekend, triggering fears of a repeat of July's Ceuta border crisis. Over the past month, the number of people attempting the perilous crossing to the Canaries - primarily from Senegal, Gambia and Guinea - has skyrocketed.

Fernando Clavijo, the regional president of the Canary Islands, issued a stark warning as local resources reached breaking point. He said: “The Canary Islands cannot continue to face, practically on their own, a situation that requires the involvement of the Spanish government and Europe.”

According to Spain’s maritime rescue service, almost 2,200 people reached the archipelago over the weekend. At least 12 boats arrived at El Hierro, with additional vessels landing at the major holiday hubs of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Saturday alone saw nearly 1,500 arrivals - the highest single-day total since 2020, reports The Sun.

So far this year, 13,000 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands, accounting for roughly half of all irregular entries into Spain. While calmer autumn seas typically bring a seasonal uptick in crossings, the Atlantic route from West Africa remains one of the deadliest in the world.

Although the islands sit roughly 65 miles off the African coast, boats frequently take longer, treacherous routes to evade police patrols, with journeys lasting up to three weeks. The escalating crisis comes at a politically sensitive moment, just two weeks before Spaniards head to the polls for a general election.

Recent polling suggests Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez could be ousted, with his party trailing behind right-wing rivals.

The emergency in the Canaries follows months of mounting pressure on Madrid over its handling of the Spanish…

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