Gambiaj.com – (NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania) – A boat carrying around 300 passengers from The Gambia capsized near Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, resulting in the death of at least 15 individuals and leaving over 150 missing. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed the incident and is actively involved in the ongoing rescue operations.

The disaster struck on July 22, 2024, after the boat had spent seven days at sea. A Mauritanian coastguard official, speaking anonymously, reported that 25 bodies had been recovered and 103 people rescued. The survivors, many of whom are in critical condition, have been transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

The IOM has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating on social media, “We are deeply saddened by the death of 15 migrants and the estimated disappearance at sea of 195+ people after a boat capsized in Nouakchott.”

Efforts to locate and save the missing passengers are being coordinated by local authorities and international organizations. The Mauritanian Coast Guard has played a significant role, rescuing 120 individuals from the water. Among the survivors, 10 were in critical condition and were immediately taken to hospitals, while four unaccompanied children were identified and are receiving special care.

According to the IOM, the boat, known as a pirogue, was primarily carrying Senegalese and Gambian nationals.

The vessel reportedly broke apart in the middle of the ocean, and the captain abandoned the boat, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves. This incident highlights the extreme risks migrants face while attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean in search of better opportunities.

Since June, Mauritania has seen the arrival of over 76 boats carrying more than 6,000 migrants, with at least 190 reported dead or missing during these perilous journeys. The northern hemisphere’s summer months mark the busiest period for this migration route, which is considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

This recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and effective measures to address the root causes of such hazardous migrations and ensure the safety of those seeking a better life.