26/07/2024
At least 15 dead, 150 missing after boat carrying 300 people capsizes
Mauritanian coastguards rescued 120 passengers and 10 among them were rushed to the hospital for urgent care
A fishmonger witness claimed to have watched nearly bodies recovered by the rescuers after strong winds swept them to the beach
The victims are believed to be of African origin based on the route they took, commonly used by migrant workers seeking asylum and better opportunities in Europe
ISAAC M , a journalist at kenya news alerts brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.
Mauritania - A tragic incident has unfolded in Nouakchott, the capital of the country, when a boat carrying approximately 300 people capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 passengers
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 150 people remain unaccounted for, while 120 were fortunate to be rescued by the Mauritanian Coast Guard during ongoing search efforts.
Al Jazeera reported that the victims had spent seven days at sea before the devastating accident occurred.
“Nearly 300 people boarded a wooden pirogue in The Gambia and spent seven days at sea before the boat capsized near Nouakchott on July 22, 2024. Among the survivors, 10 people were urgently referred to hospitals for medical care, and four unaccompanied and separated children were identified,” read the report in part.
However, a fishmonger witness recounted how strong winds in the region brought nearly 30 bodies close to the shore, which were subsequently recovered by the rescuers.
“Surely other lifeless bodies will be discovered in the next two days,” he said.
According to the report, all the victims are suspected migrant workers seeking asylum and better opportunities in Europe.
18 people die in Nepal plane crash
In other news, 18 people died after a tragic plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The ill-fated plane was engulfed in flames and smoke while taking off leaving all the passengers dead apart from the pilot who was rushed to the hospital.
The people onboard included technical staff members of Saurya Airlines and two crew members who were on a flight test.
Related video: Myanmar ferry capsize search continues for survivors (ViralPress)
