At least seven people have perished and a significant number are lost in the wake of a craft transporting around two hundred people trying to get to European shores sank near the shoreline of The Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date 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 hazardous trip over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African migrants trying to reach Europe.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canaries in 2024 and data indicates more than nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Gambian Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the defense officials said.
Officials state some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven people who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants trying to reach the EU, often on dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the EU has reached agreements with multiple North African countries aimed at curtailing irregular migration.
