At least 144 refugees and migrants have been reported dead or missing following a series of maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania last week, according to the United Nations. The incidents highlight the continuing dangers faced by people attempting the perilous Atlantic migration route from West Africa towards Europe.
The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said three rescue and disembarkation operations were carried out between July 14 and 18 in Nouadhibou, Mauritania. A total of 387 people of different nationalities were brought safely ashore during these operations, but several others were lost at sea during the dangerous journey.
One of the worst incidents involved a boat that had departed from Bufalo in Gambia and was travelling towards Spain. The vessel was rescued on Saturday after being stranded at sea for nearly 25 days, but 143 people from the boat were reported dead or missing. UNHCR said only 38 people were safely brought ashore, including two children who had lost all members of their families during the journey.
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Another death was recorded from a separate vessel whose passengers were disembarked on July 14, adding to the overall toll from the recent maritime incidents. UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh said the deaths reflected the continuing human cost of dangerous migration routes used by refugees and migrants seeking to reach Europe.
The UN agency said the Atlantic route from West Africa towards the Canary Islands remains one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors. Long distances, unpredictable sea conditions, overcrowded boats, vessels unsuitable for ocean travel and delays in rescue operations contribute to the high risks faced by those attempting the crossing.
According to UNHCR, 17 disembarkation operations have been recorded so far in 2026 in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, resulting in the rescue of 2,147 people. The latest incidents have renewed concerns among humanitarian organisations about the need for stronger rescue efforts and safer migration pathways to prevent further loss of life at sea.
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