On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Mauritanian coast guards successfully rescued a boat carrying 137 Senegalese migrants, comprising 5 women and 132 men, off the coast of Nouadhibou in northwest Mauritania. The rescue operation took place at 09:20 GMT, and all passengers were saved alive and well after drifting at sea for several days. According to Mauritanian maritime authorities, the migrants had set off from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal five days prior to the rescue.
The migrants were attempting to reach Europe via the Spanish Canary Islands when they ran out of fuel and provisions in the middle of the sea. This rescue operation was conducted as part of Mauritania's maritime surveillance and human life protection missions within its territorial waters. The successful rescue is a testament to the country's efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance and respond quickly to save lives at sea.
This rescue comes on the heels of a tragic incident just a few days earlier, when a boat sank in Lompoul, resulting in at least 42 deaths and only one survivor. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. Despite a significant decrease in migrant arrivals on the Spanish archipelago this year, with 4,808 migrants recorded between January and mid-August 2026, compared to 11,883 during the same period in 2025, departures from West African coast continue.
The Mauritanian coast guards have reiterated their commitment to enhancing maritime surveillance and responding promptly to save lives at sea, while providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with established procedures. The migrants were provided with necessary care and support after being rescued.
The incident highlights the risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe. The journey is often perilous, with many facing shortages of food, water, and fuel, as well as the threat of violence and exploitation. The Mauritanian authorities have urged migrants to be cautious and to seek alternative, safer routes.
The rescue operation was carried out by the Mauritanian coast guards, who have been working to strengthen their maritime surveillance capabilities. The coast guards have been working closely with other regional authorities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The migrants were handed over to the relevant authorities for further assistance and support. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and to provide support to those affected by it.
Key points
- Mauritanian coast guards rescued 137 Senegalese migrants who were drifting at sea for 5 days.
- The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands remains one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.
- Despite a decrease in migrant arrivals, departures from West African coast continue, posing risks to migrants.
Reporting sources
- WalFadjri · WalFadjri
