At least seven individuals lost their lives and many others are missing after a craft carrying around 200 migrants seeking to enter Europe sank in waters near The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were on board the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African asylum seekers seeking entry into the EU.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in 2024 and figures suggest in excess of 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces began a search-and-rescue operation, involving multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Authorities say several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven victims who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants trying to reach European countries, frequently via dangerous journeys by sea and land.
Recently, the EU has established pacts with several North African countries aimed at reducing irregular migration.
