31.08.2025 02:38
A boat departing from Gambia capsized off the coast of Mauritania, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 migrants, with more than 30 people missing.
At least 70 people have died and more than 30 are reported missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of West Africa.
70 PEOPLE DIED ON THE CAPSIZED BOAT, MANY ARE MISSING
In a statement from the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was reported that the boat, which is believed to have departed from Gambia on August 27 and was carrying approximately 150 people, mostly Gambians and Senegalese, sank off the coast of Mauritania.
The statement indicated that Mauritanian authorities reached the lifeless bodies of 70 people from the boat on August 27-28, and 16 people were rescued, while more than 30 people are recorded as missing. The statement urged Gambian citizens not to embark on these dangerous journeys that continue to lead to "a significant loss of life."
CASUALTIES COULD EXCEED 100
Meanwhile, reports in the national press suggested that the death toll could exceed 100. The Atlantic migration route from the coasts of West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands is known to be one of the most preferred and dangerous routes for migrants trying to reach Europe.
According to European Union (EU) data, more than 46,000 irregular migrants reached the Canary Islands last year.
The Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) stated that more than 10,000 people lost their lives during this journey in the same period, indicating a 58% increase compared to 2023.