At least seven people lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a boat transporting about 200 migrants seeking to enter the European continent sank in waters near Gambia, reports confirm.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was afterwards located "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were on board the shipwrecked vessel that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African asylum seekers seeking entry into Europe.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Canary Islands in 2024 and data indicates more than 9,000 migrants have died trying.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search operation, involving several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the defence ministry confirmed.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven victims who drowned have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Frequent Pathway
This West African nation is a common pathway taken by migrants trying to reach the EU, typically through perilous trips over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has reached agreements with several Maghreb states designed to reducing illegal migration.
