At least 69 migrants have lost their lives, with dozens more still missing, after an overcrowded boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania. The vessel, carrying roughly 160 people, overturned near Mheijrat when passengers panicked and rushed to one side after spotting coastal lights.
The majority of the victims were from Gambia and Senegal. Only 17 survivors were rescued, with reports indicating that the boat had departed from Gambia over a week ago.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, but authorities have warned that the chances of locating additional survivors are rapidly fading. Mauritania, with over 700 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, has become a significant transit point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe, further highlighting the dangers they face in their perilous journeys.
