A minimum of seven people lost their lives and many others are missing after a craft transporting approximately 200 people trying to get to European shores sank in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the sunken boat that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into European nations.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and figures suggest over nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, involving a number of military boats and a commercial fishing craft that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The bodies of the seven victims who perished at sea have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway taken by asylum seekers attempting to enter Europe, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with a number of North African nations designed to reducing illegal migration.
