At least 144 refugees and migrants have been reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania after a series of maritime incidents linked to attempts to reach Europe, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday.

The deaths were reported following three rescue operations carried out between July 14 and July 18 along the Mauritanian coast. The UN agency renewed its call for greater access to education, jobs and legal pathways for migration, saying such measures are essential to reduce the number of people risking their lives at sea.

143 DEAD ON SINGLE BOAT

The deadliest incident involved a boat that left Bufaloto in Gambia and drifted at sea for 25 days before it was rescued on July 18. According to UNHCR, the vessel was carrying the bodies of 143 people, while 38 survivors were brought ashore in Nouadhibou, where the agency provided humanitarian assistance.

The survivors included two children who lost every member of their family during the journey.

"Among the survivors of all that ship were two children who have lost all their family members during the journey and they are recovering in hospital," UNHCR spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh told a UN briefing in Geneva.

Saltmarsh said he did not immediately have details on whether those who died had drowned or succumbed to hunger, thirst or other causes while stranded at sea. He added that the victims were from countries in sub-Saharan Africa but did not provide further details.

DANGER REMAINS

In a separate incident, one person was declared dead on arrival after another vessel reached Mauritania on July 14, the agency said.

Overall, the three rescue operations carried out over the five-day period saved 387 people.

UNHCR said Mauritania continues to receive boats carrying refugees and migrants attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing. Since the beginning of 2026, authorities have recorded 17 disembarkations in the cities of Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, with 2,147 people rescued in total.

DEATHS REMAIN HIGH DESPITE FEWER ARRIVALS

The latest tragedy comes even as the number of people reaching Europe by sea has fallen significantly this year. According to UN data, just over 40,000 migrants and refugees arrived in Europe via major maritime routes during the first half of 2026, compared with 65,407 during the same period in 2025.

Despite the decline in crossings, UNHCR warned that the number of people dying or disappearing along these routes remains at "alarming levels." The agency said expanding access to education, employment and safer migration pathways is critical to preventing more lives from being lost in desperate attempts to reach Europe.

- Ends

Published By:

Satyam Singh

Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 19:15 IST