The Gambia Expresses Concern Over Mauritania Migrant Boat Tragedy

Published by: The Fatu Network

The Gambian government has expressed deep concern following the rescue of a migrant boat off the coast of Mauritania, where scores of passengers remain unaccounted for after a tragic maritime incident.

In a statement issued on July 22nd, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad disclosed that preliminary information received through the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritanian authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates the vessel departed The Gambia carrying approximately 180 passengers, including an estimated 60 women.

The ministry revealed that 38 survivors were rescued on the evening of July 18th by the Mauritanian Coast Guard with assistance from local fishermen. Those rescued included 34 men, two women, one girl and one boy, while “the circumstances surrounding the incident and the fate of the remaining passengers are still being established by the relevant authorities.”

According to the ministry, those on board included nationals of The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Mali. Survivors also reported spending approximately 25 days at sea before being rescued.

In one of the most heartbreaking details, the government noted it was “particularly saddened by reports that two children survived the ordeal after reportedly losing members of their immediate family during the journey.”

The ministry explained that the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott is working closely with Mauritanian authorities, the IOM and other partners to establish the full circumstances of the incident, verify the identities and nationalities of those rescued, determine the status of those still unaccounted for and facilitate any necessary consular assistance for Gambian nationals.

It also encouraged Gambians to pursue “safe and regular migration pathways” and avoid dangerous irregular journeys that continue to expose migrants to “significant risks and loss of life.”

The ministry added that it will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as additional verified information becomes available.