Key facts
- 144 people are reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania.
- A single vessel carrying 143 deceased individuals and 38 survivors was rescued on July 18.
- The victims were from sub-Saharan African countries.
- Three rescue operations were conducted between July 14-18, resulting in 387 survivors.
- UNHCR is calling for increased access to education and labor opportunities to provide alternatives to dangerous sea crossings.
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) announced on Tuesday that 144 individuals are reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania while attempting to reach Europe. The grim toll stems from three rescue operations conducted between July 14 and July 18.
A single vessel, which had departed from Gambia, was rescued on July 18 after being stranded at sea for 25 days. On board this vessel were 143 deceased individuals and 38 survivors. UNHCR representatives were present at the disembarkation in Nouadhibou, Mauritania, to offer support.
Among the survivors of this particular vessel were two children who had lost all their family members during the journey and are currently recovering in hospital, according to UNHCR spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh. Details regarding the exact cause of death for the victims, whether drowning or other factors like hunger or thirst, were not immediately available. The victims were identified as being from sub-Saharan African countries.
In a separate incident, one person was found dead on arrival on another vessel that disembarked in Mauritania on July 14. In total, the three rescue operations between July 14-18 resulted in 387 survivors. UNHCR noted that 17 disembarkations have been recorded in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott so far in 2026, with a total of 2,147 individuals rescued.
While U.N. data indicates a decrease of over a third in migrant and refugee arrivals to Europe via major sea routes this year, with just over 40,000 arrivals compared to 65,407 in the first half of 2025, the agency stressed that the number of deaths and disappearances remains at alarming levels. UNHCR is advocating for greater access to education and labor opportunities to create viable alternatives to dangerous sea crossings.