A minimum of seven people have perished and a significant number are lost in the wake of a craft transporting approximately 200 migrants trying to get to Europe overturned in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a search is continuing for those still missing who were traveling on the capsized craft that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa trying to reach European nations.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Canaries in the year 2024 and estimates in excess of nine thousand individuals perished during the journey.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search-and-rescue operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The bodies of the seven victims who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants attempting to enter the EU, frequently via dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with several North African countries aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
