UNHCR reports 144 migrants and refugees dead or missing off Mauritanian coast

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported on 21 July 2026 that 144 refugees and migrants are dead or missing following a series of maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania the previous week. The people had been attempting the sea journey from West Africa toward Europe, according to a UNHCR briefing note (unhcr.org).

UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh stated that three rescue and disembarkation operations took place between 14 and 18 July in Nouadhibou, Mauritania. These operations brought 387 people of various nationalities safely ashore. UNHCR staff were present alongside national authorities and humanitarian partners to support survivors and identify those seeking international protection (unhcr.org).

The deadliest incident involved a vessel rescued on 18 July. Passengers had departed from Bufaloto in The Gambia bound for Spain’s Canary Islands and spent nearly 25 days stranded in the Atlantic. Of those on board, 143 were reported dead or missing, with only 38 survivors brought ashore. Among the survivors were two children who had lost all their family members during the journey; they were recovering in hospital with other survivors, Saltmarsh said (news.un.org; reuters.com).

One additional death was reported among passengers from a separate boat that disembarked on 14 July, bringing the total to 144 dead or missing (france24.com).

UNHCR described the Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands as one of the world’s deadliest mixed movement corridors because of long distances, unpredictable ocean conditions, unseaworthy and overcrowded boats, and limited access to timely rescue. Many of those attempting the crossing embark more than 2,000 km from their intended destination (unhcr.org).

Arrivals to the Canary Islands fell by 61 percent in 2026 compared with the first half of 2025, reaching 4,400 by 15 July. Overall sea arrivals to Europe on major routes stood at just over 40,000 so far in 2026, down from 65,407 in the first half of 2025. Despite the decline in arrivals, UNHCR noted that deaths and disappearances at sea continue at alarming levels, with many incidents occurring far from public view and entire boats sometimes vanishing (news.un.org).

So far in 2026, 17 disembarkations have been recorded in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, Mauritania, with a total of 2,147 individuals rescued. UNHCR called for action to address root causes driving people to undertake these journeys and for expanded legal pathways, including higher resettlement quotas, increased labour opportunities, and education options as alternatives to dangerous sea crossings (unhcr.org).