UN says 144 migrants and refugees reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania

AI Summary

The UN refugee agency reported 144 deaths or missing persons following tragic maritime incidents off the coast of Mauritania. Two orphaned children were rescued after the sinking of migrant boats during a perilous journey from Gambia.

The UN refugee agency said Tuesday that 144 people were reported dead or missing following "tragic maritime incidents" off the coast of Mauritania last week. Two children who were brought safely ashore from one of the sinking boats had lost all of their families during the journey from Gambia.