Over 70 Migrants Dead as Boat Capsizes Off West African Coast

A migrant boat from Gambia capsized off Mauritania’s coast, killing at least 70 people, with 30 more feared dead. The tragedy highlights the deadly risks of the Atlantic route to Europe. Only 16 survivors were rescued. Authorities urge citizens to avoid such dangerous journeys amid rising migrant death tolls.

At least 70 migrants have died after a boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania in one of the deadliest recent incidents along the Atlantic migration route to Europe. Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry confirmed the tragedy late Friday, stating that the vessel was carrying around 150 passengers, mostly from Gambia and Senegal.

The boat is believed to have departed from Gambia and sank early Wednesday off Mauritania’s coast. While 16 people were rescued, authorities have recovered 70 bodies over Wednesday and Thursday. Officials fear the death toll may exceed 100 based on witness accounts, as roughly 30 others remain missing.

The Atlantic route from West Africa to Spain's Canary Islands has long been regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous for migrants. Despite the risks, thousands continue to make the journey in hopes of reaching Europe. In 2024 alone, more than 46,000 irregular migrants arrived in the Canary Islands, while over 10,000 died attempting the crossing — a 58% rise in fatalities from the previous year, according to the rights group Caminando Fronteras.

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In response to the tragedy, Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry issued a plea to its citizens, urging them not to risk their lives on these perilous journeys. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger regional cooperation, safer migration channels, and urgent humanitarian attention to the crisis.