Tiny Spanish island's only pathologist deals with rising sea migration toll
On El Hierro‚ a small Canary Island doctor finds himself working non-stop with migrant casualties instead of retiring. Local facilities struggle to handle increased numbers as migration routes shift towards this remote location
In the remote Canary Island of El Hierro Modesto Martinez didnt expect his semi-retirement plan to turn into round-the-clock work. The islands sole pathologist (who moved here about two years ago) now handles an ever-growing number of migrant casualties
The numbers paint a stark picture: this tiny island with just 11400 residents has seen roughly 20k arrivals this year - half of all migrants reaching the Canaries. The death toll shows an alarming trend: from a single case in 22 to 33 cases this year; making this Atlantic route one of worlds most dangerous
The work is non-stop and challenging - the island has one autopsy-table in a non air-conditioned room. “I thought El Hierro would be quieter with two or three deaths a year“ says Martinez who drives his humvee to handle cases at all hours. Most victims show similar patterns: dehydration hypothermia and seawater consumption
The causes of death are almost always the same: dehydration hypothermia and drinking seawater
One recent case involved Bathie Barry from Senegal who didnt survive the 2000-km journey. Identification is hard since most migrants dispose of their IDʼs before reaching shore (fearing deportation). The islands morgue facilities - initially equipped with just two cadaver-fridges - recently got six more units
- No food remains in bodies
- Broken teeth common in victims
- DNA testing takes up to 2 months
- Most bodies remain unidentified
- Families rarely get closure
The local cemetery at El Pinar shows rows of concrete graves marked mostly with numbers instead of names. Community volunteers like Haridian Marichal bring flowers and tiny paper boats to honor the unnamed: “We want their families to know we are here to accompany them and pay tribute
