At least 25 people died when a migrant pirogue sank off the coast of Nouakchott on Monday, after the Mauritanian coastguard saved the lives of 103 would-be illegal immigrants. The tragedy unfolded on the beach of the Mauritanian capital due to a heavy swell. Some witnesses who witnessed the tragedy describe it as a horrifying scene.

This is a new tragedy that had also fallen into oblivion due to the trivialisation of the phenomenon. ‘In Mauritania, a tragic accident at sea left a large number of migrants dead and missing. Around 300 people boarded the canoe from The Gambia and spent seven days at sea, before the boat capsized near Nouakchott on 22 July 2024. 120 people were rescued by the Mauritanian coastguard, while efforts continue to find those who are still missing. In this tragedy, 15 people were confirmed dead on arrival.  Among the survivors, 10 people were rushed to hospitals for medical treatment, and 4 unaccompanied and separated children were identified. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) immediately intervened to provide direct and essential assistance to the survivors’, said the IOM in a press release.

Finally, the death toll reached 25, according to the Mauritanian news agency. Evidently, departures to the Spanish coast have resumed in recent weeks as the weather has become milder. ‘This tragic event comes against a backdrop of increasing migratory flows along the Western Atlantic route, where many migrants are attempting perilous journeys in search of better opportunities or to escape difficult situations in their countries of origin.

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This year, from 1 January to 15 July 2024 alone, more than 19,700 migrants arrived irregularly in the Canary Islands via this route, compared with the same period in 2023 when 7,590 migrants were recorded – an increase of 160%. The IOM’s ‘Missing Migrants’ project has recorded more than 4,500 deaths and missing persons on this route since 2014, including more than 1,950 deaths last year, the second highest number ever recorded’, adds the IOM.  

Since June 2024, more than 76 boats, with around 6,130 surviving migrants, have landed in Mauritania, with at least 190 migrants dead or missing. ‘IOM is providing emergency humanitarian assistance to ensure that the basic needs of the survivors are met, working closely with local authorities and humanitarian partners to respond effectively to this situation. Since June 2023, the IOM has provided food aid to almost 3,500 people and accommodation to 87 people, 2,109 blankets and 2,984 emergency food kits, hygiene kits and kits of essential household items thanks to the support of the European Union and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs’, continued the International Organisation for Migration. ‘IOM is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of migrants,’ said Boubacar Seybou, IOM Head of Mission in Mauritania. ‘We are working tirelessly with the Mauritanian government to provide the necessary assistance to survivors and to help find those who have gone missing.’

25 dead, possibly more

Today, the situation continues to deteriorate. Despite the risks and the dramatic cases, nothing seems to discourage would-be migrants from leaving. “The IOM continues to stress the importance of stepping up efforts to prevent such situations and calls for collective action to protect the rights and dignity of migrants. The need for emergency medical assistance, shelter, food aid and basic necessities is considerable, far exceeding forecasts, and will increase when new boats reach Mauritania.”

The boat, overloaded with migrants dreaming of a better elsewhere, had set sail from northern Gambia for the Canary Islands, before sinking a few kilometres off the coast of Mauritania. Of course, there were Gambians, Malians and also Senegalese, who never tire of the tragedies in the heart of the Atlantic, which has become the natural graveyard of their illusions. Witnesses speak of a surreal scene.

By Justin GOMIS / justin@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH