A migrant boat that departed from Bakau, The Gambia, last Saturday has sunk off the coast of Mauritania, resulting in significant loss of life and leaving many survivors injured and hospitalized, according to migrant rights activist Ebrima Drammeh.
Drammeh, who has been closely monitoring irregular migration incidents involving Gambian nationals, broke the news on Sunday, citing sources on the ground. “I’m getting information about the migrant boat that departed from Bakau last Saturday and has sunk in Mauritania,” he stated. “Many people have lost their lives, and many people are in the hospital at the moment.”
The Gambia Embassy in Mauritania is actively involved in supporting the survivors, providing consular assistance and coordinating with local authorities, Drammeh added.
Details of the incident, including the exact number of passengers on board, the number of confirmed deaths, and the identities of those affected, remain unclear as rescue and recovery operations continue. Drammeh said his organization will publish fuller details about the boat and its passengers on Monday morning.
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent dangers faced by young Gambians attempting the perilous Atlantic route toward Europe. Boats departing from Gambian shores frequently encounter rough seas, mechanical failures, and interception by coastal authorities, with many voyages ending in disaster.
Migrant rights groups have repeatedly called on the Gambian government and international partners to address the root causes of irregular migration, including youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
