At least 58 people have died after a boat transporting migrants was shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Mauritania, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
Carrying at least 150 people, including women and children the vessel had low fuel as it approached Mauritania, the United Nations migration agency said in a statement.
It stated 83 people swam to shore. The survivors were being attended by Mauritanian authorities in the northern city of Nouadhibou, IOM added.
The wounded have been transported to the city hospital; IOM is stationing a medical doctor to assist the local response. The Mauritanian officials are coordinating with the Gambian consular services to guarantee that the necessary support is given to the migrants while in Nouadhibou and the Gambian Ambassador will travel to the city.
Mauritania will begin an inquiry into those responsible for “this drama” including potential trafficking networks.
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