No fewer than seven souls lost their lives and many others are missing in the wake of a boat ferrying approximately 200 migrants seeking to enter European shores sank off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Canaries in 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people have lost their lives trying.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy launched a rescue mission, using a number of military boats and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military reported.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven individuals who died were found, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a frequent corridor taken by migrants attempting to enter the EU, frequently via dangerous journeys by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the European Union has forged deals with a number of North African nations designed to limiting irregular migration.
