Dozens die as migrant boat sinks off Mauritania coast

At least 57 people have died after their boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania, says the UN migration agency.

The vessel left The Gambia a week ago carrying 150 migrants, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

Survivors told the UN that the boat was running low on fuel when it approached the Mauritanian coast.

The perilous sea route from West Africa was once a major path for migrants attempting to reach Europe but Libya is now the key departure point.