By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – At least 69 migrants have lost their lives, and several others are still missing, after a boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania, authorities confirmed. The northwest African country’s coastguard rescued 17 survivors, while search and recovery operations continue amid concerns that the death toll could rise.
According to eyewitness accounts from survivors, the vessel had set sail from Gambia six days prior to the disaster, carrying nearly 160 people, the majority of whom were Gambian and Senegalese nationals. Survivors described overcrowded conditions on the boat and rough seas that contributed to the capsizing.
The migrants were reportedly attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, a perilous route that has become increasingly popular among Africans seeking a better life in Europe. The Atlantic crossing is notorious for overcrowded boats, unpredictable weather, and limited safety measures, making it one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.
Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras reports that nearly 47,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands last year, while over 9,000 are estimated to have died attempting the journey to Spain over the past decade. Humanitarian organizations continue to warn about the risks posed by irregular migration and have called for increased rescue operations and safer migration channels.
Local authorities in Mauritania have pledged to intensify patrols and bolster search-and-rescue efforts along their coastline, while international agencies are coordinating to assist the survivors and provide medical and psychological support.
The tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges faced by migrants from West Africa seeking to escape poverty, unemployment, and instability in their home countries, highlighting the urgent need for regional and international solutions to the growing migration crisis.
