At least 144 migrants have been reported dead or missing after a boat carrying people attempting to reach Europe encountered distress off the coast of Mauritania, according to migration authorities.
The incident is among the latest in a series of deadly maritime tragedies along the Atlantic migration route, which has become increasingly used by migrants seeking to reach Spain’s Canary Islands from West Africa.
Rescue teams recovered some survivors, while search operations continued for those still unaccounted for. Authorities have not yet confirmed the nationalities of all the victims or the total number of people who were on board.
International migration agencies said the Atlantic route remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors, with overcrowded boats, poor weather conditions and limited safety equipment contributing to a high risk of fatalities.
The tragedy highlights the growing pressures driving irregular migration, including conflict, poverty, unemployment and the effects of climate change in parts of Africa and beyond. Humanitarian organizations have called for stronger regional cooperation to address the root causes of migration while expanding access to safe and legal migration pathways.
Mauritania has become a key transit country for migrants traveling from West and Central Africa toward Europe, prompting increased collaboration with neighboring countries and international partners on border management, search and rescue operations and anti-smuggling efforts.
Authorities said investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify those responsible for organizing the journey. Rescue and recovery operations were continuing at the time of publication.
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