At least 143 people are dead or missing after a migrant vessel capsized off the coast of Mauritania, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Tuesday.
The agency confirmed the toll following a failed crossing attempt in the Atlantic Ocean, marking one of the deadliest single incidents in the region this year.
The disaster underscores the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe from West Africa.
Rescue operations were hampered by the vessel's rapid sinking and the remote location of the incident.
Authorities have not yet released details on the nationality of the victims or the specific conditions of the boat.
This tragedy follows another major maritime incident earlier this week, when a vessel capsized off the coast of Libya, leaving approximately 60 people missing and feared dead.