Tragedy Strikes as Migrant Boat Sinks Off Mauritania
In a devastating incident, at least 89 migrants have been confirmed dead after a traditional fishing boat carrying them sank off the coast of Mauritania. The boat, which was en route to Europe, ran aground near the village of Cairo, just 4 kilometers from the city of Ndiago. This tragic event, reported by the Mauritanian News Agency and local officials, highlights the perils faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via the trans-Atlantic route.
Rescue Efforts and Rising Death Toll
The Mauritanian Coast Guard has been able to rescue nine survivors, including a 5-year-old girl, from the ill-fated vessel. However, the death toll has risen to 105 as more bodies are recovered from the coast. Local residents have been involved in burying the deceased since the boat capsized on Monday. The boat had set off from the border between Senegal and Gambia, carrying 170 passengers, leaving many still unaccounted for and feared dead.
The Dangerous Journey to the Canary Islands
The route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the most hazardous for migrants. In 2024 alone, an unprecedented number of migrants, approximately 5,000, have perished at sea while attempting to reach the Spanish archipelago. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has reported a five-fold increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands, with 16,500 people making the journey so far this year. Despite the dangers, many Africans flee poverty and unemployment, risking their lives on precarious boats. Human rights organizations are calling for more effective policies to address the root causes driving these perilous migrations.
