Senegal’s National Navy has intercepted a pirogue carrying close to 300 people attempting to migrate illegally over the weekend. The vessel was stopped off the coast of Dakar.

Authorities report that no casualties occurred during the operation. However, the surge in sea departures toward Europe in recent days has heightened concerns.

Just days earlier, 142 migrants were arrested in the open sea, pointing to an intensifying wave of attempted crossings.

Officials say the interceptions underscore both the dangers of irregular migration and the growing pressure facing Senegal’s coastal surveillance efforts.