More than 3,090 migrants—including 192 women and 437 children—died attempting to reach Spain by sea from January to mid-December 2025, according to NGO Caminando Fronteras, despite a sharp drop in arrivals attributed to intensified border controls.

Spain's Interior Ministry reported just under 36,000 irregular arrivals by sea and land in the period, down from over 60,000 the previous year.

Authorities credit the decline to stricter enforcement, particularly in Mauritania—a major launch point—following a €210 million EU migration deal signed last year to curb departures.

However, Human Rights Watch accuses Mauritanian forces of systematic abuses against migrants, including violence and mistreatment—allegations the government denies.

Caminando Fronteras warns the lower death toll does not indicate safer journeys, highlighting persistent dangers on routes amid pushbacks and crackdowns.

The figures underscore Europe's ongoing migration challenge, with Spain's Canary Islands route remaining deadly despite reduced flows.