Migrants say 'Spain or death' as Senegalese navy tackles sea crossings

Senegalese migrants are brought back to the naval base by the patrol boat 'Walo' after being intercepted at the high seas, while on their way to Europe, in Dakar, Senegal, November 3, 2023. REUTERS/Ngouda Dione

THE WALO, Senegalese waters (Reuters) - After a fruitless 10-hour search in stomach-churning waves, the Senegalese navy patrol boat Walo had started its long journey back to port on Thursday evening when its radar picked up a neon blip - another vessel was moving fast through the dark seas.

Its high nighttime speed raised the suspicions of the Walo's crew, trained to spot the differences between ordinary fishing boats and those filled with thousands of would-be migrants attempting perilous ocean missions each year to Spain's Canary Islands.