Boat from Gambia Capsizes In Mauritania Coast Leaving 15 Dead, Many Missing

A boat that departed from The Gambia with hundreds of people on board capsized near the Mauritanian coast, resulting in at least 15 deaths and many others missing.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday reported that the vessel, a pirogue, set sail from The Gambia and spent seven days at sea before capsizing near Nouakchott on July 22, 2024.

The Mauritanian Coast Guard managed to rescue 120 individuals from the water, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing passengers.

This incident the UN migration agency says highlights the increasing peril of migration through the West Atlantic Route, where many migrants undertake dangerous journeys seeking better opportunities or fleeing challenging conditions in their home countries.

IOM emphasized the urgent need for enhanced measures to ensure the safety of migrants and prevent such disasters.

The organization also called for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of migration and provide safer alternatives for those seeking to improve their lives.

Report by Sang Donald Mendy

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

WAVN