No fewer than seven souls lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a boat ferrying approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized off the coast of the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date and a search is continuing for other passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African asylum seekers seeking entry into Europe.
Nearly 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in the year 2024 and estimates in excess of 9,000 people have lost their lives trying.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defence ministry reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants seeking to get to the EU, frequently via dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with a number of North African nations designed to reducing illegal migration.
