FranceBetween July 13 and 19, 2026, 144 people died or went missing at sea off the coast of Mauritania, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR). One boat was rescued after drifting for nearly 25 days in the Atlantic Ocean, having departed from Buffalo, The Gambia, with the aim of reaching Spain. Of the 143 passengers on this vessel, 38 survived, while 105 were lost or missing. Another fatality was reported among passengers from a second boat that landed on July 14. The HCR highlighted the dangers of these maritime routes, which connect West Africa to the Canary Islands, noting the risks posed by long distances, unpredictable ocean conditions, overloaded and unsafe boats, and limited access to rapid rescue services. While arrivals in the Canary Islands dropped by 61% compared to 2025, over 40,000 people arrived in Europe by sea this year, marking a significant increase from the first half of 2025.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information based on reports from the HCR, focusing on humanitarian issues related to migration and refugee crises. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather provides factual data and contextual background on the challenges faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea
