Nouakchott, Mauritania (AP) — In a tragic incident off the coast of Mheijrat, at least 49 migrants lost their lives when their boat capsized earlier this week, according to information released by the Mauritanian coast guard on Friday.
The vessel, which had embarked from Gambia, met disaster on Tuesday morning. Coast guard head Mohamed Abdallah informed The Associated Press that the boat had set sail from Gambia a week prior, carrying 160 individuals of various nationalities, primarily Senegalese and Gambians.
Abdallah explained that the accident occurred as the migrants, upon spotting the lights of Mheijrat, collectively moved to one side of the boat, leading to its unfortunate capsizing.
As of now, authorities have reported that 49 bodies have been retrieved from the waters. Only 17 survivors have been rescued, while many others remain unaccounted for. (AP)
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