Sadly, 15 Gambians were reported to have lost their lives at sea following a boat carrying about 300 individuals including other nationalities from The Gambia. The boat was said to have taken off at Betente, Niume, in The Gambia.
Speaking to The Point, Saikou Ba Jarju, Gambia’s deputy Ambassador in Mauritania, stated that they had got know of the boat that left the Gambia from Nuime on Sunday 21 July 2024 heading for Europe after the accident.
Dep. Ambassador Jarju, who described the incident as unfortunate and expressed sympathy with the affected families, explained: “They left on Sunday but started the journey on Monday. They said they boarded the big boat in the middle of the sea and started the journey proper on Monday. So, on Tuesday, they had an accident here [in Mauritania].”
He added that when the bodies were discovered, 10 were initially identified as Gambians, but upon accessing and showing pictures of Gambians who died in the accident to those that survived, the number increased to 14 identified out of the 15 Gambians said to have lost their lives in the incident.
Of the people who died in the accident, 28 bodies were recovered from the sea on Wednesday but it was difficult to identify them, Ambassador Jarju further explained, saying: “45 Gambians were rescued and are alive. They are all doing well. We have appealed through the leadership of His Excellency Chairman Faye to get them released unconditionally and handed over to the Embassy and the IOM, who are working to repatriate them to The Gambia with flight. So, among the 45, we have 4 women or girls and 4 children.”
Mr Jarju said the rescued children were with both parents and an uncle who was the brother to the father.
“Unfortunately, everyone except the children had passed away, as was relayed by the survivors,” he added.
Additionally, he said, the IOM had arranged for an apartment for the survivors until their travel plans were finalised.
In the same vein, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing “its deep regret and utmost concern” regarding the tragic boat incident on the coast of Mauritania on July 22, 2024.
The Release reads:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep regret and utmost concern regarding the tragic boat incident on the coast of Mauritania on July 22, 2024.
According to reports received, the boat carrying about 300 migrants countered adverse weather conditions, leading to the unfortunate incident near Nouakchott's coastal waters. The Gambian Embassy in Mauritania confirmed 43 survivors including 4 women and 4 children and 14 deaths. This devastating incident has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and leaves the Ministry profoundly saddened.
The Government of the Republic of The Gambia extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected by this tragic event.
In response to this distressing incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Gambian Embassy in Mauritania is actively coordinating with relevant authorities and the International Organization for Migration, to ensure a comprehensive and swift response.
The Government of The Gambia is committed to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and will continue to work closely with partners, including neighboring countries and relevant local stakeholders to enhance cooperation and implement comprehensive strategies to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.
As we mourn the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident, we reaffirm our commitment to encourage a safe, orderly, and regular migration. May the Almighty God grant the departed souls eternal peaceful rest in paradise.
Banjul, The Gambia: July 24, 2024
