Tragic Capsizing Off Mauritania Leaves 15 Dead, Over 150 Missing

At least 15 migrants have died and more than 150 are missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania while attempting to reach Europe, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The incident occurred near Nouakchott, where the IOM reported that 120 individuals were rescued by the Mauritanian coastguard. The organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the ongoing search for the missing, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by migrants in the region. The boat, carrying approximately 300 migrants, was navigating a treacherous route characterized by strong currents and limited coastguard resources. Many of those on board were reportedly from The Gambia and Senegal, countries grappling with political unrest and economic challenges, prompting a surge in migration attempts via the Atlantic. The IOM noted that this year has seen a significant increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands, with over 19,700 migrants making the journey, a 160% rise compared to the previous year. The dangers of this route are underscored by the grim statistics; over 5,000 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain by sea in the first five months of 2023 alone. The IOM has called attention to the lack of safe migration pathways, which leaves many vulnerable to smugglers and traffickers. Among the survivors of the recent capsizing, four unaccompanied children were identified, and ten individuals required urgent medical care. As the search for the missing continues, local sources anticipate that more bodies may be discovered in the coming days, further highlighting the tragic reality of migration in West Africa.