At least seven people have perished and many others are missing following a craft transporting approximately 200 people seeking to enter Europe capsized in waters near the Gambian coast, officials state.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
96 individuals have been rescued so far and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa attempting to get to Europe.
Almost 47,000 people reached the Canaries in the year 2024 and data indicates over 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search-and-rescue operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials said.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven victims who died have been recovered, and ten of the survivors are described as being in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a frequent corridor taken by migrants attempting to enter the EU, often on hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the European Union has forged deals with multiple Maghreb states with the goal of reducing illegal migration.
