In a devastating incident off the coast of Mauritania, at least 89 migrants and refugees have lost their lives after their boat capsized en route to Europe. The tragedy occurred on Monday, approximately 4 kilometres (2.4 miles) from Ndiago, a southwestern coastal city in Mauritania, according to state media reports released on Thursday.
The Mauritanian coastguard has recovered 89 bodies and managed to rescue nine survivors, including a five-year-old girl. Survivors told state media that the ill-fated vessel had departed from the border region between Senegal and Gambia with 170 people on board. If these accounts are accurate, it would mean that 72 individuals are still unaccounted for. A senior government official has corroborated this information to AFP news agency.
The capsizing has been attributed to strong winds and high waves along the treacherous Atlantic route, notorious for its powerful currents. Migrants often attempt this perilous journey in overloaded and unseaworthy boats, frequently lacking sufficient drinking water.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing crisis of dangerous migration attempts from West Africa to Europe. Earlier this year, the European Union pledged 210 million euros ($229 million) in financial support to Mauritania, a former French colony. This aid package aims to address migration issues and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants.
The EU’s commitment comes amid a significant increase in the number of migrants departing from Mauritania towards Spain’s Canary Islands, situated approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) off the northwest African coast.
As search and rescue efforts continue, authorities are working to identify the deceased and provide support to the survivors. The international community watches closely, identifying the need for collaborative efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
