Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that 144 migrants, many of whom were refugees attempting to reach Europe, are dead or missing following a series of maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania last week. These migrants had been stranded on a boat from The Gambia bound for Spain’s Canary Islands for 25 days, underscoring the dangers of this sea route.
Between 14 and 18 July, UNHCR, national authorities, and humanitarian partners assisted three disembarkation operations that brought 387 people safely ashore. On 18 July, rescue teams found 38 survivors and 143 migrants dead or missing. Among the survivors were two children who lost all their family members at sea.
UNHCR states the Atlantic crossing from West Africa to the Canary Islands is among the most hazardous maritime corridors globally, due to long distances, unpredictable ocean conditions, overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, and limited timely rescue access. Many migrants undertake journeys of over 2,000 kilometers from their intended destination.
Arrivals to the Canary Islands have dropped by 61 percent this year compared to the first half of 2023, with 4,400 arrivals by 15 July. Similarly, arrivals to Europe by sea on major routes decreased from 65,407 last year to just over 40,000 this year. Despite this reduction, UNHCR states deaths and disappearances at sea remain at alarming levels, often without significant public attention, with many boats vanishing entirely.
UNHCR highlighted the recent tragedy as an urgent signal to address root causes forcing refugees and migrants to flee. The agency urged states to provide faster and meaningful access to legal pathways, such as higher resettlement quotas, increased labor opportunities, and education options as alternatives to dangerous sea crossings.
UNHCR continues its rescue efforts in Mauritania and elsewhere; in 2023, 17 migrant boats disembarked in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, Mauritania, with a total of 2,147 individuals rescued.