UN Warns of Growing Dangers Along Atlantic Route to Europe
At least 144 refugees and migrants have been reported dead or missing after several deadly maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania, according to the United Nations.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said the victims were among people attempting the dangerous Atlantic journey from West Africa towards Europe.
Boat Stranded for Nearly 25 Days
Between July 14 and 18, three rescue operations were carried out in Nouadhibou, Mauritania, bringing 387 migrants safely ashore.
One of the boats, which departed from Banjul in The Gambia heading towards Spain, was rescued on Saturday after spending nearly 25 days stranded at sea.
UNHCR said 143 people from that vessel were reported dead or missing, while only 38 survivors were brought to safety.
Among those rescued were two Senegalese children who had lost all their family members during the journey.
Atlantic Migration Route Remains Deadly
UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh said the latest incidents highlight the continued human cost of dangerous migration routes.
“The Atlantic route from West Africa towards the Canary Islands remains one of the world’s deadliest mixed movement corridors,” he said.
He pointed to several factors contributing to the high number of deaths, including long distances, unpredictable ocean conditions, overcrowded boats and limited access to rescue operations.
Deaths Continue Despite Fewer Arrivals
Although arrivals to Europe through major migration routes have decreased compared to previous years, UNHCR warned that deaths and disappearances at sea remain at alarming levels.
Many incidents happen far from public attention, with some boats disappearing completely.
The agency said arrivals to Spain’s Canary Islands have dropped by 61% compared with 2025, but the islands still recorded about 4,400 arrivals by July 15.
Calls for Action to Address Migration Causes
UNHCR said the latest rescues show the need for stronger efforts to address the reasons forcing people to risk their lives on dangerous sea journeys.
So far in 2026, 17 rescue operations have been recorded in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, with 2,147 people rescued.
The agency urged governments and organisations to work together to tackle the root causes driving refugees and migrants to attempt the perilous Atlantic crossing.
