Only 38 people survived one vessel’s 25-day ordeal while attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands
GENEVA/NOUADHIBOU, July 23, 2026 — At least 144 refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing following a series of maritime emergencies off Mauritania, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
UNHCR said three rescue and disembarkation operations were conducted in the Mauritanian port city of Nouadhibou between July 14 and 18. A total of 387 people from several sub-Saharan African countries were brought safely ashore.
The deadliest incident involved a vessel that left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands and spent nearly 25 days stranded in the Atlantic Ocean. Only 38 people survived, wh…
