14/09/2026
BREAKING: Migrant Boat From The Gambia Sinks Off Mauritania; 37 Rescued, Dozens Unaccounted For
By The Gambia Times
A migrant boat reportedly carrying dozens of people from The Gambia has sunk off the coast of Mauritania, leaving families desperately waiting for news of their loved ones.
According to information reaching The Gambia Times, the vessel departed from Kartong, The Gambia, in the early hours of Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at approximately 2:00 AM GMT.
An official document reportedly records 65 people as having been on board. However, information obtained from relatives of passengers suggests the actual number may have been 72.
The passengers are said to have spent approximately four days at sea before running out of food and drinking water. Faced with the worsening situation, the captain reportedly attempted to turn the vessel back, but the engine failed, leaving the boat drifting helplessly at sea.
Fortunately, 37 people were reportedly rescued by the fishing vessel Capitan Morgan, operated by A*M.
Among those rescued are reportedly 16 Senegalese, 12 Guineans and 9 Gambians.
Reports further indicate that the migrant boat had no functioning GPS and had exhausted its fuel supply by the time it was discovered.
The fate of the remaining passengers remains unclear.
If the figure of 72 passengers, as reported by relatives, is confirmed, 35 people would remain unaccounted for. If the official figure of 65 passengers is accurate, 28 people would remain unaccounted for.
Until further information is received from the relevant authorities, The Gambia Times cannot independently confirm how many people were originally on board or whether those still missing have died.
This is a heartbreaking moment for the families waiting for answers.
Behind every number is a human being — someone’s son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife or parent. For families who watched their loved ones leave Kartong hoping for a better future, the uncertainty must be unbearable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the 37 survivors, as well as every family still desperately waiting for information about those who remain missing.
This latest tragedy is another painful reminder of the enormous dangers young Africans continue to face on the irregular Atlantic migration route in search of opportunities abroad.
Many left. Few return. Think before you go.
The Gambia Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide further information as it becomes available.
Source: Ibrima, Migrant Situation.
