Every hour is crucial when searching for distressed migrant boats off the coast of West Africa. Migrants are usually trying to reach Europe via the Spanish Canary Islands which lies about 120 kilometres off the north-west coast of Africa. The 1,000 nautical mile route usually takes approximately 10 days, she said, but there are additional complications in searching for a vessel. Boats have previously drifted so far as to reach the Caribbean or South America without any survivors. “We suspect that the boats, if they are still out there, will be in that area.

Source: Ethiopian News February 13, 2026 08:28 UTC