At least seven people have perished and a significant number are missing following a craft ferrying approximately 200 migrants trying to get to Europe sank in waters near Gambia, officials state.
The craft flipped in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for those still missing who were traveling on the sunken boat that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and figures suggest more than 9,000 people have died trying.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that came to assist, the military confirmed.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not from The Gambia and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven people who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants trying to reach the EU, typically through hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
Over the past few years, the EU has reached agreements with several North African countries aimed at limiting illegal migration.
