This year, more than 3,000 migrants have died trying to reach Spain by sea. This is a very sad number. Fewer people arrived in Spain this year compared to last year. However, groups that help people are worried. They say that stronger border controls make journeys more dangerous. This leads to many deaths.
A group called Caminando Fronteras collected the data. They say 3,090 people died from January 1st to December 15th. Among them were 192 women and 437 children. This is less than the 10,457 deaths in 2024. But it still shows how dangerous these journeys are. Also, there were 303 shipwrecks. Sadly, 70 boats disappeared with no survivors.
The number of migrants arriving by sea and land was 35,935. This is much lower than 60,311 in 2024. Experts think this is because of more border checks. Because of this, migrants must take more dangerous routes. Helena Maleno from Caminando Fronteras said, "We see more people leaving from Algeria to the Balearic Islands." These boats are smaller. Boats going to the Canary Islands are bigger. However, the Atlantic Ocean is very dangerous.
More police at the borders in countries like Mauritania is part of Europe's plan. Mauritania got money from the EU to stop migrants. This has reduced the number of people trying to cross. However, many people who cannot cross safely are trying more dangerous ways. They use less safe boats and are more desperate.
The numbers from Caminando Fronteras show a crisis. While fewer people arrive, many are dying. Stronger borders mean more dangerous journeys. This is a big problem. We need to find safer ways for people to reach Europe. We also need to help the reasons why people leave their homes.