A prominent human rights organization in Senegal has demanded a parliamentary inquiry into the nation's maritime safety protocols after a migrant boat carrying dozens of people capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 individuals.

The incident, which occurred off the coast of Senegal, highlights the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea journeys, particularly towards Spain's Canary Islands, a route that has claimed thousands of lives in recent years.

Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA) issued a statement denouncing what it described as a "lack of lasting results" in government efforts to curb migrant fatalities at sea. The group pointed to financial allocations for the Navy and agent training, noting that despite these investments, irregular arrivals and subsequent tragedies have increased.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal extended condolences to the victims' families and vowed to intensify efforts against human traffickers responsible for organizing these dangerous voyages. The Ministry of the Interior and Public Security confirmed the boat was carrying individuals attempting to migrate irregularly but did not provide an exact number of passengers.

The pirogue-type vessel departed from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal, aiming for the Spanish coast, before overturning near the Lompoul dunes, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) north of the capital, Dakar. Initial reports of 21 deaths were revised upwards as search and rescue operations continued, with only one survivor recovered and several others still unaccounted for.

This tragedy occurs amidst a significant surge in migrant arrivals to Spain's Canary Islands. Authorities on the island of El Hierro declared an emergency on Saturday, reporting over 3,300 arrivals via approximately 30 boats since the beginning of November.

According to migrant rights group Walking Borders, thousands have perished attempting to reach the Canary Islands from West Africa in recent years, with 635 deaths recorded in the first five months of the current year alone. This stark statistic underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for effective interventions.

ADHA emphasized that mere expressions of regret and counts of interceptions are insufficient. The group's call for a parliamentary inquiry suggests a desire for deeper accountability and systemic solutions to address the root causes and immediate dangers associated with irregular migration by sea.