No fewer than seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a craft transporting approximately two hundred people trying to get to Europe sank in waters near the Gambian coast, officials state.
The craft flipped in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
96 individuals have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for other passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African asylum seekers attempting to get to Europe.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and estimates in excess of 9,000 people have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a search operation, using a number of military boats and a commercial fishing craft that joined the effort, the defence ministry confirmed.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The bodies of the seven people who died were found, and a dozen of the saved are reported to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a common pathway taken by migrants trying to reach Europe, often on dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has established pacts with several North African countries with the goal of curtailing undocumented migration.
