At least seven souls have died and numerous others are missing after a vessel ferrying approximately 200 migrants seeking to enter Europe capsized near the shoreline of Gambia, officials state.
The craft flipped in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Nearly 47,000 people arrived at the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 migrants have lost their lives during the journey.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, the navy launched a rescue mission, involving several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Officials state some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven victims who died were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants attempting to enter Europe, often on perilous trips over water and land.
Recently, the EU has established pacts with several North African nations with the goal of reducing undocumented migration.
