Mauritania’s army said it has lost contact with a military boat carrying seven soldiers while it was taking part in a rescue mission off the coast of the capital, Nouakchott, according to media.
In a statement issued late on Wednesday, the army said communication with the vessel was cut overnight as it was heading to assist a disabled boat northwest of Friendship Port in Nouakchott.
The statement added that air and naval forces were immediately placed on high alert and search operations were launched. The searches were still ongoing as of 8:10 pm local time.
The Coast Guard vessel Arkin was able to reach the disabled boat, rescue its crew, and tow it safely to Nouakchott port. All crew members aboard the disabled vessel were reported to be safe.
However, the whereabouts of the military boat and the seven soldiers on board remain unknown, the army said.
Mauritania’s coastline is considered one of the world’s richest fishing areas and experiences heavy traffic from commercial shipping and fishing vessels. Authorities say congestion at sea can sometimes lead to accidents or technical incidents linked to fishing activity.