**Dozens of Migrants Dead or Missing Off African Coast – UN Reports**
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a tragic loss of life among migrants attempting to cross the Atlantic from West Africa to Spain, with at least 144 individuals confirmed dead or missing following a series of maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania. The agency expressed its profound sorrow over these events, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by those seeking a better life in Europe.
Between July 14 and July 18, three separate rescue operations were conducted in the northwestern city of Nouadhibou, resulting in the safe disembarkation of 387 individuals. UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh provided details during a press briefing in Geneva, noting that the survivors hailed from various countries, although their nationalities were not disclosed.
Saltmarsh emphasized the perilous nature of the Atlantic route, stating, “This is a stark reminder that, despite sustained efforts by coastal authorities and humanitarian partners to save lives, the Atlantic route from West Africa towards the Canary Islands remains one of the world’s deadliest mixed movement corridors.”
The most significant loss of life occurred when a boat, which had departed from the Gambian coastal village of Bafuloto en route to Spain, encountered dire circumstances. After nearly 25 days adrift, only 38 of the original passengers survived, while the remaining 144 are presumed dead or missing. Among the rescued were two children who tragically lost all their relatives during the journey; they have since been hospitalized for care.
The situation is particularly dire as Mauritania has emerged as a critical transit and departure point for migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands. The journey is fraught with challenges, including long distances, unpredictable weather conditions, and overcrowded vessels that are often not seaworthy, according to the UNHCR.
Despite a reported decrease in arrivals to the Canary Islands—down 61% compared to the previous year, with approximately 4,400 arrivals recorded as of mid-July—UNHCR has cautioned that the number of deaths and disappearances remains alarmingly high. Many vessels attempting the journey are unaccounted for, leading to fears that the true scale of the tragedy may be even greater than reported.
In 2023, Mauritanian authorities have documented 17 disembarkations in both Nouadhibou and the capital city, Nouakchott, rescuing a total of 2,147 individuals. However, the dangers persist, as evidenced by a previous incident in August 2025, when at least 49 migrants died and nearly 100 went missing after a boat capsized off the Mauritanian coast.
The UNHCR’s reports serve as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by migrants and the urgent need for continued humanitarian efforts to address the challenges of migration in the region.