Banjul
– Following the sinking of a vessel carrying an estimated 150 migrants off the
coast of Nouadhibou, Mauritania, on Wednesday (4/12), the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) is working to provide immediate assistance to
78 Gambian survivors.
IOM’s team in Mauritania is focusing on
helping migrants recover from shock, providing appropriate medical treatment
and providing first aid kits, blankets and other supplies. A member of IOM’s
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) team in The Gambia departed for
Mauritania on Friday (6/12) to support the local response.
A
total of 85 survivors are accounted for, including 7 Senegalese, while the
death toll has risen to 62. The vessel left The Gambia last Wednesday (27/11)
bound for the Canary Islands and ran out of fuel.
IOM is coordinating with Mauritanian
authorities and Gambian consular services to provide assistance to survivors.
Additionally, IOM is in touch with The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS), as well
as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Mauritania, on
linking families who believe their loved ones were aboard the boat. Press
release
