Over 140 people missing after migrant boat drifts off Mauritania - Vatican News
David Martinez ·
· Latest news about the Church in the world
A boat carrying 160 people from The Gambia drifted at sea for 25 days before being rescued off Mauritania. At least 143 refugees and migrants are dead or missing, with 38 survivors including two children who lost all their family members. The tragedy occurred despite three rescue operations that saved 387 people in the same week. UNHCR describes the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands as one of the world's deadliest. Pope Leo, during his recent visit to Lampedusa, condemned the brutal treatment of migrants and urged the international community to respond with compassion.