Mauritanian Coast Guard Rescues 141 Migrants from Drifting Vessel

Mauritanian Coast Guard Rescues 141 Migrants from Drifting Vessel
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The Mauritanian coast guard has rescued 141 migrants from a boat found adrift off the country’s western coast, Arab News reported. Mauritania has increasingly become a key departure point for migrants attempting the dangerous Atlantic journey toward Europe in overcrowded and often unsafe vessels.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the group included 88 Senegalese nationals, 44 Gambians — among them 17 women and two children — along with four Guineans and two Malians. Officials said the rescue occurred near the port city of Nouadhibou after a patrol detected a vessel whose passengers had lost direction and were unsure of their route.

Authorities reported that the migrants were subsequently taken into care by the appropriate services. The incident highlights ongoing risks on the Atlantic migration route, which has seen multiple tragedies in recent months.

In August, at least 69 people died and many others went missing when a boat capsized off Mauritania after departing The Gambia with roughly 160 passengers on board. Earlier, in late July, Mauritanian officials rescued several dozen migrants after their vessel broke down 11 days into its journey from Guinea.