How many people die trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea?
The exact death toll will probably never be known as some of the flimsy vessels used by boat people just disappear without trace. Based on media and police reports, UNHCR estimates that over 500 people have died in the Mediterranean in 2007, while the Spanish authorities estimate that up to 1,000 died trying to reach the Canary Islands from Africa. Michael Pugh, an academic specializing on irregular migration by sea, carried out a rigorous study in 2004 which concluded that up to 2,000 people were dying each year trying to reach Europe by sea.
