No fewer than seven individuals lost their lives and many others are missing in the wake of a craft transporting approximately 200 people attempting to reach the European continent capsized off the coast of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday near the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were traveling on the shipwrecked vessel that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Almost 47,000 individuals reached the Canaries in 2024 and estimates over 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a rescue mission, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway used by migrants seeking to get to the EU, often on hazardous voyages over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of Maghreb states aimed at reducing illegal migration.
