The United Nations said Tuesday that 144 refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after tragic maritime incidents off Mauritania last week.
The UN refugee agency UNHCR said authorities conducted three rescue and disembarkation operations between July 14 and 18.
The operations brought 387 people of various nationalities safely ashore in Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
However, 143 people were reported dead or missing from one boat that had departed from Gambia’s Bufalo and headed toward Spain.
The vessel spent nearly 25 days at sea before rescuers reached it on Saturday.
Only 38 people survived the journey and reached shore, according to UNHCR.
Among the survivors were two children who lost all their family members during the voyage.
Meanwhile, another person reportedly died aboard a separate vessel whose passengers disembarked on July 14.
Dangerous sea route continues to claim lives
UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh said the incidents highlighted the continuing human cost of dangerous migration routes from West Africa to Europe.
Despite rescue operations, the Atlantic route toward the Canary Islands remains among the world’s deadliest migration corridors.
The UN agency cited long distances, unpredictable ocean conditions and overcrowded, unsafe boats as major risks.
Furthermore, limited access to timely rescue services increases the danger faced by migrants and refugees.
So far in 2026, UNHCR has recorded 17 disembarkations in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott.
The agency said rescuers have brought 2,147 people safely ashore through these operations.
Meanwhile, the latest incidents have renewed concerns about the growing risks faced by people attempting to reach Europe by sea.
