Mauritania migrant boat disaster leaves over 140 dead and missing

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) reported on 21 July 2026 that at least 144 migrants were dead or missing after a series of maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania between 14 and 18 July. Two separate boats were involved – one departing from Gambia that spent about 25 days at sea before being rescued, and another that left Senegal. Mauritanian authorities rescued 387 people and said 122 were missing near Nouakchott.

An earlier account described a Gambian fishing vessel intercepted near Nouadhibou with a death toll of around 234, emphasizing the extreme danger of the Atlantic “backway” route that migrants use to reach the Spanish Canary Islands.

UNHCR said it was “extremely saddened” by the loss. Spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh told journalists, “Among the survivors are two children who have lost all the members of their families and are now recovering in hospital.” The agency called for stronger search‑and‑rescue efforts and the creation of safe, legal migration pathways.