144 feared dead or missing on perilous journey to Spain

A harrowing journey across the Atlantic has ended in tragedy for 144 migrants, who are feared dead or missing after their boat drifted for nearly 25 days. The vessel, which departed from Gambia with the aim of reaching Spain, was eventually found adrift off the coast of Mauritania. Only 38 individuals survived the ordeal.

According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), another death was reported among passengers on a separate boat that reached the shore on July 14. Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for UNHCR, expressed deep sorrow over the disappearances, stating that these refugees and migrants risked their lives on the dangerous Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe. He emphasized that this incident underscores the human cost associated with perilous migration routes.

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These refugees and migrants have disappeared or gone missing, after attempting the dangerous crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa to Europe, which once again reflects the human cost of risky migration routes.

UNHCR reported three rescue operations between July 14 and 18 in Nouadhibou, Mauritania, which led to the safe disembarkation of 387 people. However, the agency stressed that the Atlantic route connecting West Africa to the Canary Islands remains one of the most dangerous mixed migration pathways globally. Factors contributing to the high risk include the vast distances involved, unpredictable ocean conditions, unseaworthy and overcrowded boats, and difficulties in accessing timely rescue services.

Despite a reported 61% decrease in arrivals to Spain's Canary Islands compared to the previous year, with 4,400 arrivals recorded by July 15, the UNHCR noted that drownings continue to occur. Migrants and refugees are still taking extreme risks to reach Europe, a destination over 2,000 kilometers from their starting points in many cases. So far this year, over 40,000 people have arrived in Europe via major sea routes, a decrease from the 65,407 recorded in the first half of last year. UNHCR data indicates 17 disembarkations in Nouadhibou and Nouakchott this year, resulting in the rescue of 2,147 individuals.

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The Atlantic route connecting West Africa to the Canary Islands remains one of the most dangerous mixed migration corridors in the world.