A minimum of seven people lost their lives and numerous others are missing following a boat ferrying around 200 migrants trying to get to the European continent sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Canary Islands in 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 migrants have lost their lives during the journey.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces began a search-and-rescue operation, involving several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven individuals who drowned were found, and ten of the survivors are described as being in grave health and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is one of the routes utilized by migrants attempting to enter Europe, often on dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with several North African nations aimed at reducing irregular migration.
