A minimum of seven souls have perished and numerous others are missing after a boat ferrying about two hundred migrants trying to get to Europe sank in waters near the Gambian coast, officials state.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Almost 47,000 people reached the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and estimates in excess of 9,000 migrants have lost their lives trying.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy began a search operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military confirmed.
Officials state some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven people who perished at sea have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is one of the routes taken by asylum seekers attempting to enter the EU, often on hazardous voyages by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with several Maghreb states aimed at curtailing undocumented migration.
