At least 21 people have died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off northwestern Senegal while attempting to reach Europe through the dangerous Atlantic route to Spain’s Canary Islands.

Senegal’s Interior Ministry said only one person had been rescued, while 21 bodies were recovered and search operations continued.

The death toll remained provisional as authorities worked to identify victims and support their families.

The boat capsized near the Loumpoul dunes in the Kebemer department.

The tragedy comes amid increased migration attempts across the Atlantic.

Senegalese authorities also intercepted 142 migrants, including 23 women and four children, on another boat heading towards Spain.

Meanwhile, authorities on Spain’s Canary Island of El Hierro declared an emergency following a surge in migrant arrivals, with more than 3,300 people arriving in about 30 boats since the beginning of November.

Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco have intensified maritime patrols to curb irregular migration, forcing some migrant boats to depart farther south along the West African coast and increasing the risks of an already dangerous journey.