In a tragic incident, the Mauritanian coast guard recovered the bodies of 89 individuals from a capsized traditional fishing boat near Ndiago, in southwest Mauritania along the Atlantic Ocean. The boat, carrying 170 passengers, departed from the Senegal-Gambia border and only nine individuals, including a five-year-old girl, were rescued.
The treacherous Atlantic route, known for its strong currents and lack of resources, is becoming increasingly popular as migrants seek alternative routes to Europe. In 2023, the number of migrants arriving at Spain’s Canary Islands more than doubled from the previous year, reaching a record 39,910.
Despite the risks, migrants continue to embark on overcrowded and poorly equipped vessels, with many departing from countries like Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal in long wooden boats. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those seeking a better life through irregular migration.