At least seven individuals lost their lives and many others are missing following a boat transporting around 200 people attempting to reach Europe capsized in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday close to the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African asylum seekers trying to reach Europe.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Canaries in the year 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search operation, deploying multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven people who drowned have been retrieved, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by asylum seekers attempting to enter Europe, often on hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with multiple North African nations aimed at reducing irregular migration.
