A minimum of seven people lost their lives and numerous others are lost after a vessel transporting approximately 200 migrants seeking to enter Europe sank off the coast of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues 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 Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa seeking entry into European nations.
Almost 47,000 people made it to the Canary Islands in 2024 and estimates more than nine thousand individuals perished during the journey.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces began a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is one of the routes utilized by migrants attempting to enter the EU, often on perilous trips across ocean and terrain.
Over the past few years, the EU has established pacts with several North African nations designed to reducing illegal migration.
