UN says over 100 migrants dead or missing off West Africa in separate incidents
Last Updated:July 21, 2026, 20:30 ISTRepresentational image (Image: News18)Nouakchott, Jul 21 (AP) The United Nations refugee agency said Tuesday it is “extremely saddened" after well over 100 people died or. . .
Last Updated:July 21, 2026, 20:30 ISTRepresentational image (Image: News18)Nouakchott, Jul 21 (AP) The United Nations refugee agency said Tuesday it is “extremely saddened" after well over 100 people died or went missing from boats off Mauritania last week while trying to make their way to Europe. The agency said 144 people were dead or missing after two incidents between July 14 and 18. It said 387 people were rescued. Recommended StoriesMauritania’s coast guard has said 122 people went missing off the coast near the capital, Nouakchott. It said the boat carrying 160 people from Gambia toward the Canary Islands ran out of fuel and was stranded at sea for 25 days. In a separate incident, the coast guard said it rescued 179 people who had boarded a boat from Senegal on Saturday. The difference in the numbers given was not immediately clear. Mauritania’s waters have become a major route for people from sub-Saharan Africa seeking a better life in Europe as economic opportunities remain scarce at home. The route toward the Canary Islands is “one of the world’s deadliest" with long distances and unseaworthy and overcrowded boats, the UN agency said in a statement. (AP) GSP(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed -PTI)News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismKey Questions AnsweredThe UN refugee agency (UNHCR) called for greater access to education, employment opportunities, and safer migration pathways to reduce perilous sea journeys. This call comes after over 100 migrants died or went missing off Mauritania between July 14 and 18. First Published:July 21, 2026, 20:30 ISTNewsagency-feedsUN says over 100 migrants dead or missing off West Africa in separate incidentsDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More