The death toll from the Loumpoul boat tragedy has risen to 44, with five new bodies recovered on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The victims' bodies were found in various locations, including Saré Dao and Gandiol, near the Senegal River. The authorities have confirmed that the bodies were recovered by rescue teams and are part of the ongoing efforts to account for the passengers on the ill-fated boat.
The boat, which was carrying nearly 200 people, sank off the coast of Senegal, and the survivors have reported that a large number of people are still missing. Oumar Sow, a survivor and eyewitness, estimates that around 100 bodies may still be submerged in the ocean. The authorities are working to identify the victims, but the process has been complicated by the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies.
To address the challenge of identifying the victims, the authorities have activated a photo protocol, which involves taking pictures of the bodies and matching them with those provided by the families of the missing people. The families are being invited to present photos at the Camp de Saré Dao, where they are then taken to the gendarmerie de Kébémer for verification. If the body is not found, the families are directed to Louga, where some of the bodies are being kept.
The region's morgues are currently holding 11 unidentified corpses, which are awaiting identification by their families. The authorities are working to expedite the identification process, but the task has been complicated by the condition of the bodies. The incident has sparked widespread concern and grief, with many families still searching for their loved ones.
The Senegalese authorities have deployed a range of resources to respond to the tragedy, including the plan Orsec, which is a national emergency response plan. The plan involves the coordination of various agencies, including the gendarmerie, to provide support to the affected families. The authorities have also established a reception center for the families of the victims.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean in search of a better life. The Senegalese government has urged people to be cautious and to avoid embarking on such journeys, which can be extremely hazardous. The government has also promised to provide support to the families of the victims and to those affected by the tragedy.
The investigation into the cause of the tragedy is ongoing, and the authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the boat. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and sympathy from across Senegal and beyond.
Key points
- The death toll from the Loumpoul boat tragedy has risen to 44.
- 11 unidentified corpses are currently in morgues awaiting identification.
- Authorities have activated a photo protocol to identify victims.
