At least seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others are lost following a craft ferrying about 200 people seeking to enter the European continent overturned off the coast of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was afterwards located "stranded on a sandbar", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa trying to reach the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Canaries in the year 2024 and data indicates more than nine thousand individuals perished in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a search operation, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven people who perished at sea have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a common pathway utilized by asylum seekers attempting to enter European countries, typically through perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African countries designed to reducing illegal migration.
