More than a dozen migrants have died, and at least 150 others are missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania en route to Europe. This incident has triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The boat, carrying 300 migrants, capsized on Monday near the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. The Mauritanian Coast Guard has so far rescued 120 individuals, the IOM reported in a statement on Wednesday.
Tragically, 15 people were confirmed dead upon arrival,” the IOM stated, noting that search efforts for the missing migrants are still ongoing.
In recent years, there has been a significant surge of migrants leaving West Africa, particularly from Senegal, with many attempting the perilous journey north past Mauritania to reach Spain’s Canary Islands. The migrants in this latest tragedy were traveling on artisanal fishing boats, known as pirogues, which are highly vulnerable to strong winds and Atlantic currents.
While thousands have managed to survive this risky journey, many others have perished or disappeared along the way, with their remains sometimes washing up on the shores of the Atlantic.
Among those rescued on Monday were four unaccompanied and separated children, the IOM reported. Additionally, 10 survivors were taken to hospitals for medical treatment.
African migrants making this journey are often driven by poverty and instability in their home countries. Though the journey is fraught with danger, many feel compelled to take the risk in the hope of better outcomes for themselves and their families.
Nearly 20,000 migrants have arrived irregularly in the Canary Islands via the Mauritania route this year, nearly triple the number from the same period in 2023. According to the IOM, at least 1,950 migrants died on this route last year, marking the second-deadliest year on record.
The Associated Press
