At least seven people have died and many others are missing in the wake of a boat carrying about two hundred people attempting to reach Europe capsized near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack in the North Bank area and it was afterwards located "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa attempting to get to Europe.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
After Wednesday's accident, the navy launched a search operation, involving several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials confirmed.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven victims who perished at sea were found, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants attempting to enter European countries, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with several North African countries aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
