From the sky, NGO searches for west African migrant boats in distressOFF THE COAST OF THE CANARY ISLANDS, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Every hour is crucial when searching for distressed west African migrant boats in the Atlantic, where the long route and harsh weather easily spell disaster, a nonprofit that conducts aerial surveillance told AFP during a recent mission. "People could be dead or dying from dehydration, heat stroke or any other conditions," pilot Omar El Manfalouty told AFP. Migrants departing from west Africa and travelling up the Atlantic are usually trying to reach Europe via the Canary Islands off northwest Africa. More than 3,000 migrants died in 2025 while attempting to reach Spain clandestinely, according to the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras. In the Mediterranean, it has already helped spot more than 1,000 boats, alerting international NGO rescue ships which then go and help.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 20, 2026 05:40 UTC