Mauritania's Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy announced on Saturday that Coast Guard forces rescued 75 irregular migrants aboard a distressed vessel that was near sinking in international waters.
In an official statement, the ministry revealed:
The boat had departed from Kamsar, Guinea-Conakry on Tuesday, July 15
The perilous journey lasted 12 days at sea
The vessel's engine failed in open waters, leaving passengers in imminent danger of drowning
Strong currents carried the adrift boat for two days before distress signals were issued
A nearby ship intervened, transferring all passengers to the Mauritanian Coast Guard, who transported them to Nouadhibou port for standard processing procedures.
The migrant group comprised nationals from:
Senegal
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Conakry