144 migrants dead or missing off Mauritania en route to Canary Islands

The UN refugee agency (ACNUR) has reported 144 migrants dead or missing after a series of incidents off the coast of Mauritania, highlighting the ongoing dangers of the Atlantic migration route to Europe's Canary Islands. Between July 14 and 18, three rescue operations brought 387 survivors ashore, but one boat carried 143 deceased and only 38 survivors after 25 days adrift Source: La Vanguardia. Another person died on a separate vessel Source: Infobae.

The tragic voyage

The worst incident involved a boat that departed Bufuloto, Gambia, with about 160 people. After nearly 25 days at sea, it was rescued near Nouadhibou, Mauritania. Survivors reported that food and water ran out after ten days, forcing them to drink seawater Source: ABC. Among the survivors were two children who lost all family members during the journey Source: Euronews.

The broader context

ACNUR notes that overall arrivals to the Canary Islands have fallen by more than 60% compared to early 2025, yet the death rate remains "alarming" Source: Infobae. The Atlantic route is considered one of the deadliest due to long distances, poor vessels, and limited rescue capacity Source: ABC. ACNUR urges more legal pathways and efforts to address root causes of migration Source: Euronews.