The United Nations has reported that 144 migrants are dead or missing following maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, stated that three rescue and disembarkation operations were conducted between July 14 and 18 in Nouadhibou, Mauritania, bringing 387 people safely ashore. However, 143 people were reported dead or missing from one boat that had departed from Gambia, with only 38 survivors. The Atlantic route from West Africa towards the Canary Islands remains one of the world's deadliest migration corridors.
Dangerous Journeys and Rescue Efforts
The UNHCR highlighted the perilous nature of the sea journey from West Africa towards Europe. Despite a 61 percent drop in arrivals to the Canary Islands compared to the previous year, the Spanish archipelago still saw 4,400 arrivals as of July 15. The agency stressed that deaths and disappearances at sea continue at alarming levels, often occurring far from public attention.
Call for Addressing Root Causes
UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes driving refugees and migrants to undertake these dangerous journeys. So far in 2026, UNHCR has recorded 17 disembarkations in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, rescuing a total of 2,147 individuals. The recent incidents underscore the persistent risks faced by those attempting to reach Europe.
