No fewer than seven people have died and many others are missing after a vessel ferrying about two hundred migrants attempting to reach Europe sank off the coast of Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were aboard the sunken boat that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Nearly 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and data indicates over 9,000 migrants have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, the navy launched a rescue mission, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven victims who died have been recovered, and ten of the survivors are said to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants trying to reach European countries, typically through hazardous voyages over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African countries designed to curtailing illegal migration.
