Canary Islands migrants: ‘Try or die’ - one Senegalese man’s determination to reach Europe

BBC Africa Eye has gained unprecedented access to the secretive world of migrants.

Mouhamed Oualy is about to embark on a perilous sea journey to Spain 's Canary Islands .

The 40-year-old Senegalese farmer wants to be one of the migrants to reach the archipelago.

Most migrants on this route are sub-Saharan Africans fleeing poverty and conflict, exacerbated by climate change.

In El Hierro , the Canary Islands , the number of migrants who have arrived since the start of 2023 has already more than doubled the local population to nearly 30,000 .

In recent months , the sharp rise in arrivals has fuelled a fierce national debate in Spain over how to tackle irregular migration.

According to data from the United Nations migration body, the Atlantic route is fast becoming the deadliest migrant journey in the world.

If Mr Oualy makes it to Europe , it is likely he will not see his family for years . If he dies at sea, he will be lost to them forever. More from BBC Africa Eye : Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent..