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Tragically, a boat carrying about 300 Gambians (including people from other nationalities) reportedly lost 15 Gambians at sea. The boat was said to have departed from Betente, Niume Island, Gambia.
Working with televisionHe pointsGambia’s Deputy Ambassador to Mauritania, Sekou Ba Jaju, said that after the accident, they had been informed that the ship left Gambia for Europe from the Port of Niume on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Describing the incident as regrettable and expressing sympathy for the affected families, Deputy Ambassador Jaljou explained: “They left on Sunday but started their journey on Monday. They said they boarded this big ship in the middle of the sea and their journey officially started on Monday. So, on Tuesday, they had an accident here (in Mauritania).
He added that when the bodies were found, 10 of them were initially identified as Gambians, but after the survivors were shown photos of Gambians who died in the accident, the number confirmed increased to 14 out of the 15 Gambians who were said to have died in the accident.
Ambassador Jaju further explained that of those who died in the accident, 28 bodies were pulled from the sea on Wednesday, but it was difficult to identify them. He said: “45 Gambians were rescued and are alive. They are all fine. We have called for their unconditional release through the leadership of His Excellency President Faye and handed them over to the embassy and the International Organization for Migration, who are working to repatriate them to The Gambia through flights. So, out of the 45, there are four women or girls and four children.”
Mr. Jaju said the rescued children were with their parents and an uncle, who is the brother of the children’s father.
He added: “Unfortunately, according to the survivors, everyone except the children has died.”
In addition, he said the International Organization for Migration has arranged an apartment for the survivors until their travel plans are finalized.
Likewise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing “deep regret and extreme concern” over the tragic boat incident that occurred on July 22, 2024 off the coast of Mauritania.
The press release is as follows:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep regret and extreme concern over the tragic boat incident that occurred on July 22, 2024 off the coast of Mauritania.
According to reports received, the boat, which was carrying about 300 migrants, encountered bad weather, which led to the tragic incident in the waters off the coast of Nouakchott. The Gambia Embassy in Mauritania confirmed that 43 people on board survived, including 4 women and 4 children, and 14 people died. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply saddened by the numerous lives lost in this tragic incident.
The Government of the Republic of The Gambia expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all the victims affected by this tragic event.
In response to this distressing incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of The Gambia in Mauritania, actively coordinated with the relevant authorities and the International Organization for Migration to ensure a comprehensive and swift response.
His Government was committed to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and would continue to work closely with partners, including neighbouring countries and relevant local stakeholders, to strengthen cooperation and implement a comprehensive strategy to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
As we mourn the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident, we reaffirm our commitment to encourage safe, orderly, and regular migration. May the Almighty God grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest in heaven.
Banjul, Gambia: July 24, 2024
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