A large vessel with passengers coming from West Africa to the Canary Islands overturned at sea. At least 69 individuals are dead, and there are many more who are still missing. Just 17 individuals were rescued by the coastguards in Mauritania.
The vessel departed The Gambia nearly a week prior to the accident. There were estimates that about 160 individuals were aboard the vessel, primarily from Gambia and Senegal. The vessel sank about 60 km north of Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania.
Coastguards explained that those on board had seen town lights at night. When they all shifted to one side of the boat, it lost balance and sank. Rescue teams are still searching in the sea and are going to dive to inspect the sunken boat.
A Risky Journey to Europe
Numerous migrants from Africa attempt to travel to Europe by the Canary Islands. It is extremely risky, but individuals risk everything for a better existence. In the previous year, approximately 47,000 immigrants arrived in the Canary Islands, but over 9,000 are estimated to have perished during their journey.
Helen Maleno, a member of a Spanish organization assisting migrants, said this is one of the worst summer sea disasters. She requested the coastguards to keep searching for people possibly still alive.
Other groups have also accused Mauritanian security forces of ill-treating the migrants. Human Rights Watch stated the issue has escalated due to agreements with Spain and the European Union to end such perilous sea voyages.
Now there are many families waiting in agony, praying that their loved ones are alright, but unfortunately, the majority of the news received is bad.
FAQs
1. Where was the accident located?
Off Mauritania, approximately 60 km from Nouakchott.
2. How many were on the boat?
Approximately 160, though not all have been verified.
3. How many were rescued?
Seventeen individuals have been rescued.
4. Why do people take the risk?
They aspire to get to Europe in quest of a good life, despite it being extremely dangerous.
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