A minimum of seven people lost their lives and many others are missing following a craft transporting about two hundred migrants seeking to enter European shores sank in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for those still missing who were on board the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa attempting to get to the EU.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and figures suggest more than 9,000 people have died during the journey.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the military said.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven people who perished at sea have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a common pathway used by migrants attempting to enter the EU, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
Recently, the European bloc has established pacts with multiple North African countries with the goal of curtailing irregular migration.
