The UN refugee agency reported on Tuesday that 144 refugees and migrants are dead or missing following tragic maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania last week. The individuals were attempting to reach Europe.
The tragedy occurred when a boat carrying refugees and migrants from Africa ran out of fuel. While 38 people were rescued during a rescue operation from Mauritania, many others were lost.
Among those brought safely ashore were two children who had been on a boat bound for the Canary Islands. During the journey from Gambia, both children lost their entire families.
The UN refugee agency stated that it is extremely saddened by the loss of life resulting from these incidents.