Mauritanian and Guinean security sources confirmed on Sunday that at least 75 West African migrants were rescued off the coast of Mauritania after their boat’s engine failed and left them stranded at sea for two days.
The wooden boat had departed from the coastal city of Kamsar in Guinea on July 15, aiming to reach Europe via the perilous Atlantic route, according to a statement by Mauritanian authorities. The boat was carrying migrants from multiple West African countries, including Guinea, Senegal, and The Gambia.
Mauritanian officials said the vessel’s engine malfunctioned in open waters, and strong currents dragged the boat for nearly 48 hours before an emergency distress call was sent out. A nearby ship responded to the call and assisted in the rescue before handing the migrants over to Mauritania’s coast guard.
However, Guinean security sources told AFP the number of passengers may have exceeded 100, suggesting possible missing persons.
The incident is the latest in a string of migrant emergencies along the Atlantic migration route. According to the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras, nearly 10,500 people died attempting to reach Spain by sea in 2024 alone.
Despite the risks, over 46,800 African migrants successfully reached Spain’s Canary Islands last year, although arrivals have declined in 2025. The dangerous voyage from West Africa remains a major corridor for irregular migration to Europe.
