News 22 July 2026 IOM Saddened by Deadliest Migrant Shipwreck on West African Atlantic Route in 2026

Nouakchott, 22 July 2026 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply saddened by reports that dozens of migrants are dead or missing following a shipwreck off the coast of Mauritania, where 38 survivors were rescued by the Mauritanian Coast Guard near Nouadhibou on 18 July.

According to survivors, the vessel departed from The Gambia carrying approximately 180 people and spent 25 days at sea before rescue efforts were launched by Mauritanian coast guards and local fishermen. The survivors include men, women and children from several West African countries. One deceased person was recovered; at least 143 people are missing and are feared to have perished during the journey. Among the survivors are two children who reportedly lost their parents and younger sibling during the tragic journey.

IOM extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expresses its gratitude to the Mauritanian authorities, local fishing communities and all first responders involved in the rescue operation.

"Every life lost on this route is one life too many. My thoughts are with the families who are mourning loved ones, and with the survivors who have endured an unimaginable ordeal," said Sylvia Ekra, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

This tragedy adds to the 168 lives already lost on the West African Atlantic Route to the Canaries this year, as well as two suspected invisible shipwrecks that remain under verification and may have claimed hundreds more lives.

This year alone, 4,440 arrivals have been recorded in the Canary Islands compared with 11,575 from January to July last year, demonstrating that the decrease in arrivals does not mean the route has become safer.

"What this incident shows is that a decline in arrivals does not mean the route has become safer. People continue to risk everything because the pressures that drive these journeys remain. Saving lives requires a collective effort that goes beyond search and rescue. We need stronger cooperation all along the route, from countries of origin to countries of transit and destination, with greater investment in protection, opportunities closer to home, and expanded access to safe and regular pathways", said IOM's Ekra.

The incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation and sustained efforts to prevent further loss of life along migration routes across West and Northwest Africa.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.