Nouakchott – A major tragedy struck off the coast of Mauritania when an overcrowded boat carrying migrants capsized, leaving at least 70 people dead and many others missing. Authorities confirmed that 17 passengers were rescued, while the search continues for the remaining survivors.
The vessel, which had departed from Gambia six days earlier, was headed toward Spain’s Canary Islands when the disaster occurred. According to coast guard officials, the boat was carrying around 160 people, most of them citizens of Gambia and Senegal. The accident took place about 60 kilometers north of the capital, Nouakchott, where rescue teams are still combing the waters. Divers are preparing to investigate the submerged wreck.
Officials said the boat overturned late Tuesday night after migrants spotted lights from a coastal city and shifted suddenly, causing it to lose balance. Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras described the incident as one of the worst migrant tragedies of the summer and urged authorities to continue the search.
The Atlantic migration route to Europe has become increasingly dangerous but common among African migrants. Nearly 47,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands last year, but Caminando Fronteras estimates that more than 9,000 lost their lives attempting the journey.
The incident comes amid recent accusations that Mauritanian security forces have systematically mistreated migrants from other African nations.
