The Mauritanian authorities have announced the rescue of 103 irregular migrants and the recovery of 25 bodies off the coast of the capital, Nouakchott.
The Mauritanian Coast Guard explained that its southern region command observed a vessel off the coast of Nouakchott last Monday, during a period of rough seas. The ship was carrying approximately 140 migrants of various African nationalities.
Sheikh Maayenine Sidi Heiba, the commander of the Mauritanian Coast Guard’s southern region, stated in a statement reported by the Mauritanian News Agency (official) that 10 of those rescued required urgent medical assistance.
The official predicted that the sea might reveal more victims from this vessel in the coming days. The ship, which originated from The Gambia and passed through Senegal, is estimated to have had around 140 passengers from different African nationalities.
So far, 65 Senegalese have been accounted for, including 6 women and three children, 52 Gambians including 3 women and 3 children, and one man from Côte d’Ivoire.
