No fewer than seven souls have died and a significant number are missing after a boat transporting about two hundred migrants seeking to enter the European continent sank in waters near the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and data indicates in excess of nine thousand individuals perished trying.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy initiated a search operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials said.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven victims who perished at sea have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by asylum seekers attempting to enter European countries, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
Recently, the European Union has established pacts with a number of Maghreb states with the goal of limiting illegal migration.
