At least seven souls lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a vessel carrying approximately two hundred migrants seeking to enter European shores overturned off the coast of Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were aboard the shipwrecked vessel that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Canaries in the year 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 people have lost their lives in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Gambian Navy launched a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that came to assist, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven victims who perished at sea have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants trying to reach European countries, typically through hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has established pacts with multiple North African countries aimed at limiting illegal migration.
