A minimum of seven people lost their lives and a significant number are missing in the wake of a vessel ferrying approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach European shores capsized off the coast of The Gambia, officials state.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night close to the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were traveling on the sunken boat that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants trying to reach the EU.
Close to 47,000 people reached the Canary Islands in 2024 and data indicates in excess of nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy began a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that offered help, the defence ministry reported.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not from The Gambia and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven victims who died have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a common pathway taken by asylum seekers trying to reach Europe, often on hazardous voyages by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has established pacts with several North African countries designed to curtailing irregular migration.
