At least 144 migrants are feared dead or missing after several boats encountered distress off the coast of Mauritania during rescue operations carried out between July 14 and 18.
According to reports, the deadliest incident involved a boat that departed from The Gambia and remained stranded at sea for 25 days before disaster struck. Only 38 people survived the ordeal, including two children who reportedly lost their entire families.
In total, 387 migrants were rescued during the three rescue operations conducted over the five-day period.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) described the continued loss of lives along sea migration routes to Europe as deeply alarming.
The agency renewed its call for improved access to education, employment opportunities, and safer migration pathways to discourage people from undertaking dangerous sea crossings.
The latest tragedy highlights the persistent risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe through irregular maritime routes.
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