A minimum of seven people lost their lives and numerous others are lost in the wake of a boat carrying around 200 migrants trying to get to the European continent capsized near the shoreline of The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were on board the shipwrecked vessel that was heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants seeking entry into European nations.
Close to 47,000 individuals reached the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people perished trying.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search operation, deploying a number of military boats and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven people who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants attempting to enter the EU, frequently via dangerous journeys over water and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with multiple North African countries designed to reducing illegal migration.
