By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia is mourning after a tragic migrant boat disaster off the coast of Mauritania left dozens of its citizens dead among the victims. The capsizing of a vessel carrying Gambian and Senegalese nationals has underscored the grave dangers faced by young Gambians seeking better opportunities abroad.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, the vessel reportedly departed from Sami Koto, The Gambia, before sinking near Lemhaisrat, a fishing village approximately 117 kilometers from Nouakchott. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 27 August, between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
According to the Ministry, Mauritanian authorities, assisted by local rescue teams, recovered 19 bodies on the day of the capsizing and an additional 51 the following day. Sixteen survivors were rescued, including five Gambian nationals. With over 150 passengers originally on board, officials fear many more may have perished.
The ministry said the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott quickly dispatched a team to coordinate with Mauritanian authorities, assisting in recovery operations and overseeing the burial of recovered victims. The process was conducted with the involvement of the gendarmerie, police, fire and rescue services, medical personnel, and the Red Cross.
In a related development, a second irregular migrant boat reportedly departing from Ndar, Senegal, was intercepted by Mauritanian authorities. All passengers survived, including five Gambians, who are now under the care of the Gambian Embassy.
The Ministry has extended its deepest condolences to the families of all victims and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors and repatriating Gambian nationals safely. It also renewed its call to young Gambians to avoid irregular migration, warning that these perilous journeys continue to claim lives.
