Mauritanian authorities have rescued 260 migrants, including children and women, from two boats after the vessels spent seven days at sea while attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands.
The Mauritanian coast guard carried out the rescue early Sunday, September 27, off the coast of Nouakchott, the country’s capital, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy.
The two boats had departed from Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, about 500 kilometres south of Nouakchott. Authorities said the passengers had been at sea for seven days before they were located.
The rescued group included 132 Senegalese nationals, 120 Gambians, four Guineans, two Nigerians and two Malians. Among them were 61 women and 17 children.
According to AFP, the migrants were reportedly in a state of shock when they were rescued. They had run out of food and faced problems with fuel and navigation during the journey.
The rescue highlights the continued dangers facing migrants who attempt to reach the Canary Islands by sea. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Spanish archipelago is known for its long distances, overcrowded boats and difficult weather conditions.
Mauritanian authorities have carried out a growing number of interceptions and rescues involving migrants travelling towards the Canary Islands. In early July, the country’s coast guard rescued another 216 migrants off its coast.
More than 1,000 migrants have also been intercepted in recent weeks by Mauritanian and Senegalese authorities as departures along the Atlantic route continue.
At the same time, deaths and disappearances remain a major concern. At least 144 people were reported dead or missing off Mauritania in early July after two boats travelling towards the Canary Islands encountered difficulties.
Mauritania has become an important partner for Spain and the European Union in efforts to reduce irregular migration towards the Canary Islands. In 2024, the EU agreed on a €200 million partnership with Mauritania that included support aimed at tackling irregular migration.
Spain has also increased cooperation with Mauritania, Senegal and Morocco as part of efforts to prevent migrant boats from reaching Spanish territory.
The increased interceptions have coincided with a decline in irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands. Spanish Interior Ministry figures cited in the report showed that irregular entries into Spain fell by 40 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year.
However, rights groups and migration organisations have continued to highlight the risks faced by people attempting to make the journey.
The Atlantic route is one of the most dangerous migration routes to Europe. Migrants often travel in small or poorly equipped boats, sometimes for thousands of kilometres, with limited supplies of food, water and fuel.
Some boats depart from countries much farther south along the West African coast, including Guinea, meaning passengers can spend many days at sea before reaching the Canary Islands.
The International Organization for Migration recorded more than 1,176 deaths or disappearances along the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands in 2025. The Spanish organisation Caminando Fronteras reported an even higher figure, estimating that at least 1,482 people died while attempting the journey that year.
Caminando Fronteras has also reported more than 1,300 deaths or disappearances on the route so far in 2026.
The continued loss of life has raised concerns about the increasing risks migrants face as border controls and maritime patrols intensify. With legal routes to Europe limited for many West African nationals, some migrants continue to turn to smugglers and dangerous sea crossings in search of work, safety and better opportunities.
The rescue of the 260 migrants off Mauritania provides another example of the dangers along the route, while also highlighting the increasing role of West African countries in intercepting and rescuing people before they reach European waters.