Mauritania Rescues Over 500 Migrants in 10 Days Amid Rising Atlantic Crossing Attempts

Mauritanian authorities say more than 500 irregular migrants have been rescued in the country’s waters over the past 10 days amid a rise in dangerous migration attempts along the Atlantic route to Europe. In the latest operation, the coast guard rescued 77 migrants from a boat that departed Conakry, Guinea, bringing the total number of rescues to 503 within the period. Earlier rescues included groups of 124, 192, and 110 migrants from various West African countries after their vessels encountered difficulties or broke down at sea. Officials say the surge highlights increasing use of the risky sea route toward Spain’s Canary Islands in search of better opportunities in Europe.

Mauritanian authorities say more than 500 irregular migrants have been rescued in the country’s waters over the past 10 days, as increased migration activity continues along the Atlantic route used by people attempting to reach Europe, particularly Spain’s Canary Islands.
In the most recent incident, the Mauritanian Coast Guard intercepted and rescued 77 migrants after spotting their boat within the country’s territorial waters. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, the vessel had departed from Conakry, the capital of neighbouring Guinea, and was later detected by maritime patrol units operating along the coastline.
The ministry said the boat was carrying 59 men, 11 women, and seven minors, all identified as Guinean nationals. Officials added that the vessel had left the Guinean coast late on May 29 and travelled for several days before it was located and stopped by Mauritanian security forces at sea.
This latest operation adds to a growing series of rescue missions carried out in Mauritanian waters in recent days, bringing the total number of migrants rescued to 503 within a 10-day period. Authorities say the surge reflects both increased departures from West African coastal countries and the growing dangers faced during long sea crossings.
Earlier in the week, the coast guard rescued 124 migrants near the coastal town of Nouamghar after their boat encountered difficulties while at sea. In another separate operation, 192 migrants were rescued off the coast of Nouakchott after their vessel reportedly broke down during a journey originating from The Gambia. In yet another incident earlier this month, 110 migrants from several African countries were rescued after their boat became stranded in rough sea conditions off the Mauritanian coast.
Officials have repeatedly warned about the risks associated with the Atlantic migration route, which has become one of the most dangerous paths taken by irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Many of those attempting the journey travel in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats, often facing long distances, unpredictable weather conditions, and limited access to food, water, or navigation support.
Despite the risks, the route continues to be used by migrants seeking to reach Europe in search of better economic opportunities, safety, and improved living conditions. Authorities in Mauritania say they have intensified patrols and rescue operations in response to the rising number of incidents at sea, as countries along the West African coast continue to experience high levels of outward migration pressure.