Mauritanian authorities have reported a tragedy off their coast: after a boat headed for the Canary Islands capsized, the bodies of at least 70 people were found. The vessel was carrying more than a hundred migrants, most of them citizens of Gambia and Senegal.
According to Mauritania’s coast guard, search and rescue operations continue in the M’haijatt area, about 60 kilometers north of Nouakchott. So far, 17 people have been rescued, but the death toll may rise as the search is still ongoing.
Survivors said they set out six days ago, hoping to reach the Canary Islands. According to them, there were over 100 people on board. The Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras provides even more alarming figures: according to their information, there were 144 people on the boat, of whom only 16 survived, and the bodies of 40 victims have already been recovered from the water.
The Atlantic Ocean route linking the west coast of Africa to the Canary Islands is considered one of the most dangerous for migrants. Every year, thousands of people die on this journey. Just last year, according to official data, more than 45,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands via this maritime route. Human rights groups estimate that nearly 10,000 people died on this route over the past year.
The tragedies are caused by overloaded and technically faulty boats, as well as severe weather conditions in the Atlantic. Despite the dangers, the flow of migrants has not decreased: many see Spain as a chance for a better life and are willing to take risks for it.
Spanish and international organizations continue to call for stronger safety measures and more search and rescue operations along this route. Authorities in Spain and West African countries are discussing possible steps to prevent such tragedies and provide assistance to those affected.
The migration situation across the Atlantic remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges for Spain and the entire region. Experts note that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue, involving both tackling the causes of migration and developing maritime rescue systems.
