No fewer than seven souls have perished and many others are lost following a craft transporting around 200 migrants trying to get to Europe overturned in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack in the North Bank area and it was later found "stranded on a sandbar", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the sunken boat that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa attempting to get to European nations.
Nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Canaries in 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 people have lost their lives in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy initiated a search-and-rescue operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven people who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a common pathway used by migrants attempting to enter Europe, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has established pacts with a number of North African countries designed to limiting irregular migration.
