At least seven individuals have perished and a significant number are lost after a craft carrying approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent capsized off the coast of the Gambian coast, officials state.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for those still missing who were on board the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers attempting to get to the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and estimates more than nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces launched a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military confirmed.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven people who died were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a frequent corridor used by migrants trying to reach the EU, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has reached agreements with multiple North African nations with the goal of reducing irregular migration.
