Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Government of The Gambia has confirmed that a migrant vessel carrying Gambian nationals, which departed Bakau on 18 April, has docked in Mauritania following a prolonged and perilous journey that left dozens of passengers in distress.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad said the Gambian Embassy in Mauritania is working closely with local authorities to manage the situation and provide urgent humanitarian and consular support.
According to the Ministry, several individuals from the vessel have been admitted to hospitals in Mauritania, where they are receiving medical care, while others have been transferred to a designated center for first aid, food, and essential supplies.
“Embassy officials are actively engaged in verifying the nationalities of all individuals on board,” the statement noted, emphasizing that the process is crucial for facilitating communication with families, consular assistance, and any subsequent repatriation or support measures.
The development comes against the backdrop of a separate but related maritime emergency closer to home, where more than 90 would-be migrants were stranded for nearly two weeks in treacherous waters between Bunyadu and Bakindik.
Internal communications among members of a national Migration Response WhatsApp group, comprising the Gambia Immigration Department, Navy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Red Cross, Police, and other stakeholders, paint a stark picture of the unfolding crisis and the challenges faced during rescue efforts.
Rescue teams reported that the migrants were trapped in a difficult-to-access marshland area, where low tides and muddy terrain severely hampered naval operations. At one point, responders warned of a “red level alert,” as those stranded ran out of food and water, with their only communication device running low on battery.
“Their situation is getting worse. Some of them even wanted to try swimming out… they remained very hungry and thirsty,” one message indicated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Efforts to reach the group were further complicated by environmental constraints, with naval patrol boats unable to approach the shoreline due to shallow waters. In some cases, engines were damaged after taking in muddy water during rescue attempts.
This morning, authorities confirmed that at least 39 migrants had been successfully extracted. Preliminary accounts suggested that many of them had been stranded at the location for about 12 days, raising suspicions that they may have been deceived or abandoned by traffickers.
Despite ongoing efforts, the response has sparked internal concern among stakeholders, with some officials calling for improved national preparedness and faster emergency response mechanisms.
“As a country, we need to do better when it comes to responding to emergencies,” one participant noted, pointing to delays in reaching those in distress and gaps in logistical readiness.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, urged the public to remain patient as efforts continue both in Mauritania and domestically, stressing that the priority remains the safety, welfare, and proper identification of all affected individuals.
The government also commended the Gambian Mission in Mauritania for its swift intervention and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Gambians throughout their migration journeys.
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