Overview
- Twenty-one of the 26 people aboard the Tafra 3 were rescued and are in Nouadhibou, including three Spaniards, with several survivors treated for injuries.
- Five crew members of Mauritanian nationality remain missing as search efforts involve a Mauritanian patrol boat and a Guardia Civil helicopter following earlier conflicting reports on a pause.
- The collision occurred at 18:40 local time off Nouadhibou, opening a large breach on the trawler’s starboard side and causing a rapid sinking while the vessel was hauling gear at limited maneuverability.
- The captain of the Right Whale remains under arrest, the Galician captain of the Tafra 3 has given a statement and been released, and authorities have launched a judicial probe with a technical inquiry to follow.
- The Right Whale is a 105‑meter factory ship flying the Gambian flag, reportedly operated by a European-linked company, and the crash happened in crowded fishing grounds near Cabo Blanco at roughly 53–60 meters’ depth.