In a devastating maritime disaster, at least 70 migrants lost their lives when a boat capsized off the coast of West Africa, according to a statement released by Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry on Friday. The vessel, believed to have departed from Gambia and carrying predominantly Gambian and Senegalese nationals, sank near Mauritania early Wednesday. Another 30 individuals are feared dead, bringing the potential death toll to over 100. The boat was reportedly carrying around 150 passengers, with only 16 survivors rescued so far. Mauritanian authorities have recovered 70 bodies, while witness accounts suggest the tragedy may have claimed even more lives. This incident marks one of the deadliest accidents along the perilous migration route from West Africa to Europe. The Atlantic migration route, particularly the journey from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, is notorious for its dangers. Last year, over 46,000 irregular migrants reached the Canary Islands, a record number, according to the European Union. However, more than 10,000 died attempting the journey, a 58% increase from 2023, as reported by the rights group Caminando Fronteras. Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry has urged its citizens to avoid such hazardous voyages, which continue to claim countless lives. Mauritania remains a critical transit point for undocumented migrants from across Africa, many of whom risk their lives on overcrowded and unsafe vessels in pursuit of a better future in Europe. The tragedy underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for safer migration pathways.