The Mauritanian coast guard recovered the bodies of 89 migrants on Thursday from a large traditional fishing boat that had run aground last Monday on the Atlantic shore near the village of Cairo, about 4 kilometers from the town of N’Diago.
The official Mauritanian news agency reported that the coast guard team also rescued nine individuals, including a five-year-old girl.
According to several survivors, the boat, which had departed from the border area between Senegal and The Gambia six days earlier, was carrying 170 migrants en route to Europe.
The West African migrant crisis has intensified in recent years as thousands of individuals from various countries in the region attempt perilous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.
Driven by a combination of factors including extreme poverty, political instability, and violence, migrants often rely on dangerous, overcrowded vessels provided by human traffickers.
Mauritania, located on the western coast of Africa, has become a significant transit point for these migrants. The journey is fraught with peril, as many boats are unseaworthy and the waters treacherous.
This situation has led to frequent tragedies, with numerous boats capsizing or running aground. Efforts by regional governments and international organizations to manage the crisis include increased coast guard patrols, rescue operations, and initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of migration.
Despite these efforts, the crisis persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
