At least seven people lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a craft carrying around 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent capsized off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for African asylum seekers trying to reach European nations.
Almost 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in 2024 and data indicates over 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces launched a search operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the military confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven victims who perished at sea have been retrieved, and ten of the survivors are reported to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by asylum seekers trying to reach the EU, typically through hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
In recent years, the European bloc has established pacts with multiple Maghreb states designed to reducing irregular migration.
