No fewer than seven people have died and numerous others are missing following a boat transporting around 200 migrants attempting to reach European shores sank off the coast of The Gambia, officials state.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of the village of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa attempting to get to European nations.
Nearly 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in 2024 and estimates more than nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search-and-rescue operation, using a number of military boats and a fishing boat that came to assist, the military reported.
Authorities say some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven victims who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by asylum seekers trying to reach the EU, frequently via dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has established pacts with multiple Maghreb states designed to curtailing irregular migration.
