At least seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a craft transporting around two hundred migrants attempting to reach the European continent overturned off the coast of the Gambian coast, officials state.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was afterwards located "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa trying to reach European nations.
Close to 47,000 people arrived at the Canary Islands in 2024 and data indicates over nine thousand individuals have lost their lives trying.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces launched a rescue mission, involving several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and ten of the survivors are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
This West African nation is one of the routes taken by migrants seeking to get to Europe, often on perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has established pacts with multiple Maghreb states aimed at reducing irregular migration.
