The incident occurred in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday, as a large traditional fishing boat carrying 170 people sank about 4 kilometers from the city of Ndiago in southwest Mauritania, the Mauritanian coast guard reported.
Survivors revealed that the boat had set sail from near the Senegalese-Gambia border, aiming to reach Europe. Nine people, including a five-year-old girl, were rescued by the coast guard.
The bodies of the deceased migrants were recovered from the sea on Monday, while authorities continue to search for those still missing.
The Atlantic route from West Africa to Europe is notorious for its dangers, with entire boats sometimes disappearing without a trace. Spain's Canary Islands have become a common destination for migrants and refugees attempting this perilous journey.
In response to increased migrant departures from Mauritania, the European Union recently pledged €210 million to enhance efforts against human smugglers and support humanitarian aid and job creation in the region.
Despite patrols by both Spanish and Mauritanian authorities, the number of migrants attempting these risky crossings has risen sharply this year, driven by economic hardship and other factors.
A recent UN-backed report highlighted the escalating risks faced by migrants traveling through Africa towards the Mediterranean, including kidnapping and organ theft, with routes across the Sahara Desert being particularly perilous. (ILKHA)
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