On 11 June 2026, authorities in Mauritania intercepted and rescued 77 undocumented migrants off the coast of Nouadhibou after a vessel departing from Guinea was detected in national waters.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, the Mauritanian coast guard took control of a traditional fishing boat carrying the migrants at 10:54 GMT. The group comprised 59 men, 11 women and seven minors, all of Guinean nationality.
Officials said the vessel had left the coast of Guinea on 29 May before being spotted and intercepted in waters under Mauritanian sovereignty by coast guard units.
The authorities stated that the migrants were handled in line with national laws and international humanitarian obligations, with procedures in place to ensure appropriate treatment following the interception.
The incident underscores continuing irregular migration flows across the Atlantic route, where many migrants attempt dangerous sea crossings in search of improved economic opportunities.
