At least 143 refugees and migrants are confirmed dead or missing after a boat attempting to reach Europe drifted for 25 days before reaching the coast of Mauritania. The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, reported the tragic incident on Tuesday, highlighting the perilous nature of the journey.

The vessel, which departed from Bafuloto in The Gambia, was rescued on July 18, arriving at the port of Nouadhibou with bodies and 38 survivors on board. This incident occurred despite three separate rescue operations conducted by Mauritanian authorities between July 14 and July 18, which saved 387 individuals from other stranded boats.

Among the survivors were two children who tragically lost their entire families during the arduous voyage. They are currently receiving hospital care. Another death was reported on a separate vessel that disembarked in Mauritania on July 14. The deceased were identified as originating from sub-Saharan African countries.

The UNHCR described the route to the Canary Islands as "one of the world’s deadliest." The agency cited the long distances involved and the use of overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels as major contributing factors to the high fatality rate. They urged for increased access to education and employment opportunities to provide viable alternatives to these dangerous crossings.

Mauritania serves as a significant departure point for migrants seeking to reach the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago. Tens of thousands undertake this journey annually. Recent European Union-funded efforts to curb migration have led to a sharp decline in arrivals. These measures include deportations of asylum seekers and migrants by Mauritanian authorities, pushing departures to longer and more perilous routes from further down the coast.

The Mauritanian coastguard reported that the boat ran out of fuel after leaving The Gambia with 160 people. They estimate 122 individuals are missing. The UNHCR expressed profound sadness over the loss of life, underscoring the extreme risks faced by those undertaking the crossing.

Experts note that the EU's strategy of partnering with North African nations to intercept and deport migrants, while reducing immediate arrivals in Europe, often results in migrants being pushed onto more dangerous routes or becoming stranded in precarious situations, as evidenced by this incident.

Further details regarding the exact cause of death for those on board and the specific circumstances leading to the boat's prolonged drifting remain under investigation. The UNHCR continues to advocate for safer migration pathways and addressing the root causes that compel individuals to embark on such perilous journeys.