A minimum of seven people lost their lives and many others remain unaccounted for following a vessel carrying about two hundred people trying to get to Europe sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was afterwards located "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants trying to reach European nations.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and data indicates in excess of nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search operation, deploying multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven victims who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants trying to reach the EU, often on perilous trips by sea and land.
In recent years, the EU has forged deals with several North African nations aimed at limiting undocumented migration.
