A minimum of seven people lost their lives and numerous others are missing in the wake of a craft carrying approximately two hundred migrants trying to get to the European continent sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday near the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals have been rescued so far and a hunt is ongoing for other passengers who were traveling on 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 asylum seekers seeking entry into the EU.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Canaries in 2024 and estimates in excess of 9,000 migrants have died trying.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a rescue mission, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that came to assist, the defence ministry reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The bodies of the seven people who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a common pathway used by migrants attempting to enter European countries, frequently via dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has forged deals with several Maghreb states aimed at reducing irregular migration.
