Mauritania: 144 dead or missing in one week on the Canary Islands route

Herz — World Desk · 21 July 2026 at 13:26 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What we know

The UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) announced on July 21, 2026, that 144 people died or went missing off Mauritania between July 13 and 19. These figures were communicated to the press in Geneva by UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh.

Nearly all of this toll came from a single vessel. This vessel had left Bufalo, Gambia, heading toward Spain. After approximately 25 days of drifting on the Atlantic, it was rescued on July 18, 2026: 38 passengers survived and 143 died or went missing.

One additional death—the 144th of the week—was reported among passengers from a vessel that landed on July 14 in Nouadhibou.

Three rescue and disembarkation operations were carried out in Nouadhibou between July 14 and 18, 2026. They brought 387 people safely to shore.

Timeline

1. Around June 23, 2026 (estimated)
   Estimated departure from Bufalo, Gambia, of a vessel heading toward the Canary Islands—date calculated backward from the approximately 25 days of drifting reported before the rescue on July 18.
2. July 14, 2026
   First rescue and disembarkation operation in Nouadhibou. One death is reported among passengers—it will be counted as the 144th of the week.
3. July 15, 2026
   The UNHCR registers 4,400 arrivals at the Canary Islands since January 1, 2026, representing a 61% decline compared to the same date in 2025.
4. July 18, 2026
   The vessel from Gambia is rescued after approximately 25 days of drifting. The 38 survivors are brought ashore in Nouadhibou; 143 passengers died or went missing.
5. July 21, 2026
   Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR spokesperson, communicates to the press in Geneva the week's toll: 144 dead or missing and 387 people rescued during the three disembarkation operations.