Horror at Sea: 89 Migrants Dead After Boat Capsizes Off Mauritania
At least 89 migrants have drowned after their boat capsized near the Mauritanian coast, in a heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken the region. The disaster struck on Monday, about 4 kilometres from Ndiago, a coastal city in southwestern Mauritania, state media confirmed on Thursday.
Rescue Efforts Save Nine Survivors
The Mauritanian coastguard recovered 89 bodies and pulled nine survivors to safety, including a five-year-old girl. Survivors revealed the ill-fated vessel had set off from the border between Senegal and Gambia carrying 170 people. If true, 72 individuals remain missing, officials told AFP news agency.
Deadly Atlantic Waters Claim Another Tragedy
The sinking was blamed on wild winds and towering waves along the dangerous Atlantic route, known for fierce currents. Migrants often risk crossing in overloaded, rickety boats without enough drinking water, desperate for a chance at a better life in Europe.
EU Pledges Millions to Tackle Migration Crisis
This latest disaster underscores the peril endured by migrants escaping West Africa. Earlier this year, the European Union pledged €210 million ($229 million) to Mauritania to fight migration issues and provide humanitarian aid. The influx of migrants heading towards Spain’s Canary Islands, just 100 kilometres off Africa’s northwest coast, has surged alarmingly.
As search and rescue efforts carry on, authorities are working tirelessly to identify the victims and support the survivors. The international community is urged to step up cooperation to prevent more deadly crossings in the future.
