Joal-Fadiouth fishing boat fire kills three and injures four

A fishing pirogue fire near the Santhie 2 beach in Joal-Fadiouth, Mbour department, resulted in three deaths and four injuries on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. during a planned fishing operation. According to reports, the engine of the vessel sparked upon starting, causing an immediate fire. In an attempt to manage the danger, the captain tried to throw fuel canisters overboard, but one canister lost its cap, spilling gasoline into the boat and accelerating the blaze.

In the ensuing panic, several fishermen jumped into the sea to escape the flames. Three men—Ndongo Diop, Babacar Sow, and Bada Ndour—reportedly drowned after attempting to swim back to shore. Four others, including the 39-year-old captain, sustained injuries and were evacuated to the Joal health district for medical treatment. The local gendarmerie and the prosecutor of the Mbour High Court have been notified of the tragedy.