At least seven individuals have died and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a boat transporting approximately 200 migrants seeking to enter the European continent capsized near the shoreline of The Gambia, officials state.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was afterwards located "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were on board the capsized craft that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants attempting to get to European nations.
Nearly 47,000 people made it to the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search-and-rescue operation, involving multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven people who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a common pathway used by asylum seekers attempting to enter Europe, typically through perilous trips by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the European Union has established pacts with several North African countries aimed at reducing illegal migration.
