Mauritania's coast guard has rescued more than 1,100 migrants over a 10-day period, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The rescues occurred between June 1 and June 10, 2026, off the country's Atlantic coast.
The migrants, primarily from West African countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Guinea, were attempting to reach the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago that has become a key entry point to Europe. The Atlantic route is notoriously dangerous, with thousands dying each year due to overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.
IOM officials noted that the recent spike in rescues indicates a resurgence in migration along this route after a period of relative calm. In 2025, over 5,000 migrants died or went missing on the Atlantic route, making it one of the deadliest migration corridors in the world.
Mauritania has stepped up patrols in coordination with European agencies, but humanitarian groups warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, conflict, and climate change in the Sahel region.
