Lanzarote has gone from an average of more than one boat per day at the end of last summer to receiving only one per month, as has happened in both March and April. Compared to the same months of the previous year, this represents a decrease of 83%, thus consolidating the downward trend that had been occurring in recent months.
Already in February, a total of 7 boats reached the Island, which meant 74% less compared to the previous month, when a total of 27 were counted.
Regarding March and April 2021, a total of 12 boats arrived in Lanzarote, six in each of the months, with a total of 297 people. In this year 2022, a total of 90 people traveled in the two boats that arrived on the Island in those two months.
It should be remembered that Lanzarote experienced an increase in the number of boats arriving on the island in the summer months of 2021, between August and November, with the arrival of 94 boats with 3,609 people inside. Afterwards, the figures decreased, with a last peak last January, with 1,175 people in 27 boats.
In those months of massive arrival, Lanzarote experienced days of up to six boats in one day, which highlighted the reception system on the Island, with images of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in the industrial warehouse where they were staying. Afterwards, the Temporary Foreigner Reception Center (CATE) was set up next to the National Police station in Arrecife, although since its launch hardly any boats have arrived.
The last boat that arrived in Lanzarote was this week, when Salvamar intercepted a boat 50 miles from Lanzarote, with 60 people inside.
Canary Islands data for the first four months of the year
As for the Canary Islands as a whole, it has received during the first four months of the year 6,624 immigrants who arrived on its coasts in 145 boats, inflatable boats or canoes. This is 2,213 more than in the same period of 2021, which represents an increase of 50.2%, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
Although in the archipelago the global figures for arrivals or rescues are still above those of the same period of 2021, since the end of February its growth has been attenuated fortnight after fortnight: as of February 28 they were 134% more, as of March 15 115% more, as of March 31 70% more, as of April 15 59% more and now 50% more.
