At least seven individuals have died and many others are lost after a craft carrying approximately 200 migrants trying to get to Europe capsized off the coast of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were on board the shipwrecked vessel that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and data indicates more than nine thousand individuals perished trying.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy initiated a search-and-rescue operation, deploying a number of military boats and a fishing boat that offered help, the military said.
Officials state several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are reported to be in grave health and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is one of the routes used by migrants attempting to enter the EU, often on dangerous journeys by sea and land.
Recently, the EU has reached agreements with several North African countries designed to reducing irregular migration.
