GENEVA: The UN refugee agency said on Tuesday that 144 people have been reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania in an effort to reach Europe.
The toll comes after three rescue operations in Mauritania between July 14-18, the UN agency said, calling for more access to education and labor opportunities to create alternatives to dangerous sea crossings.
A total of 143 people died on board a single vessel which left from Bufaloto, Gambia, and was rescued on July 18 after 25 days stranded at sea.
It was carrying bodies and 38 survivors, according to UNHCR which was present at disembarkation in Nouadhibou, Mauritania to provide support.
“Among the survivors of all that ship were two children who have lost all their family members during the journey and they are recovering in hospital,” spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh told a UN briefing in Geneva.
