No fewer than seven souls have died and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a vessel transporting around 200 migrants seeking to enter Europe sank off the coast of Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African asylum seekers seeking entry into the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and figures suggest more than 9,000 migrants perished during the journey.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that offered help, the military 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 have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway used by asylum seekers seeking to get to European countries, typically through perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has forged deals with a number of North African countries designed to curtailing illegal migration.
