At least seven souls have died and a significant number are lost following a craft transporting about two hundred migrants seeking to enter European shores capsized in waters near the Gambian coast, officials state.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night close to Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa trying to reach European nations.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and estimates in excess of 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, the navy launched a rescue mission, involving a number of military boats and a fishing boat that came to assist, the defense officials confirmed.
Authorities say several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven victims who perished at sea were found, and ten of the survivors are described as being in grave health and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is one of the routes used by migrants attempting to enter European countries, often on hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the European Union has forged deals with several North African countries aimed at reducing irregular migration.
