UN says 144 migrants and refugees reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania
Summary
The United Nations reported that 144 migrants and refugees died or went missing after their boats sank off the coast of Mauritania. Rescue operations saved 387 people from several boats between July 14 and 18, but many others lost their lives trying to cross from West Africa to Europe.Key Facts
- 144 migrants and refugees were reported dead or missing after maritime accidents near Mauritania.
- Three rescue operations brought 387 people safely ashore in Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
- One boat from Gambia had 143 people dead or missing, with only 38 survivors, including two children who lost their families.
- The journey was from West Africa towards Spain, considered very dangerous due to long distances and poor boat conditions.
- So far in 2026, 2,147 people were rescued in 17 disembarkations in Mauritania.
- The number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands is down 61% compared to 2025, with 4,400 arrivals reported by mid-July.
- The sea route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest for migrants.
- UNHCR highlighted the ongoing human risks of these migration attempts.
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