A migrant boat that reportedly departed from Bafuloto in The Gambia has been intercepted by the Mauritanian Navy near Nouadhibou, with reports indicating that up to 234 people may have died after the vessel encountered difficulties at sea.

According to information from migrant situation tracker Ebrima Drammeh, the boat was intercepted with 38 survivors on board.

The vessel was reportedly in critical condition at the time of interception, with no engine, no GPS equipment and only one gallon of fuel remaining.

The survivors included 34 adult men, two adult women and two minors – a boy and a girl.

Among those rescued were eight Gambians, 28 Senegalese nationals, one Guinean and one Ivorian.

The report said the boat had initially departed with about 270 people on board, raising fears that 234 passengers lost their lives during the journey.

Two deaths have so far been confirmed among the intercepted group.

A Senegalese migrant died shortly after the interception, while a Gambian national, identified as Sulayman Jallow from Brikama Ba, later passed away. Jallow was reportedly travelling with four members of his family.

The latest tragedy adds to growing concerns over the dangers faced by migrants attempting the irregular Atlantic route to Europe.

The survivors are currently under the custody of Mauritanian authorities, while efforts continue to verify details surrounding the incident and account for those missing.

Families and communities across The Gambia and neighbouring countries are mourning the loss of loved ones, with condolences extended to all those affected.

Authorities and migration advocates have repeatedly warned young people against attempting dangerous sea crossings, which have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.

By Adama Makasuba