No fewer than seven souls have died and a significant number are missing following a vessel transporting approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were on board the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants trying to reach the EU.
Nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Canaries in 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces launched a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials said.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven people who drowned have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by asylum seekers seeking to get to European countries, often on dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the EU has reached agreements with several North African nations designed to reducing irregular migration.
