Mauritania's military faces a tense search operation after losing contact with a patrol boat carrying seven soldiers during a high-stakes coastal rescue mission this week. 🌊
The vessel was dispatched late January 20 to assist the Maksem Boubacar patrol boat, which became disabled 30 nautical miles northwest of Nouakchott after fishing nets entangled its propellers. Communication with the rescue team ceased abruptly at 11:00 p.m. local time that night.
While the Coast Guard vessel Arkin successfully towed the disabled boat to safety with all crew accounted for, the secondary rescue boat vanished from radar – sparking urgent air and sea searches that continued through Wednesday evening.
Military officials confirm the missing personnel's families have been notified as multiple branches coordinate search efforts. The incident highlights the risks faced by maritime forces during emergency operations in challenging coastal waters. 🚁⚓
