UN refugee agency: 144 dead or missing off Mauritania

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has reported that 144 refugees and migrants are dead or missing following maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania between July 14 and July 18. Three rescue operations brought 387 people ashore.

The deadliest incident involved a vessel that departed from Gambia, bound for Spain's Canary Islands. This boat was rescued after drifting for nearly 25 days, with only 38 survivors. UNHCR stated that 143 others aboard were reported dead or missing. Among the survivors were two children who had lost their entire families and are recovering in hospital.

A further death was recorded from another vessel rescued on July 14. The UNHCR highlighted that the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains one of the world's deadliest migration corridors due to vast distances, unpredictable weather, unseaworthy boats, and limited rescue opportunities.

The agency renewed calls for stronger international cooperation to save lives and expand safe migration pathways.