At least seven people have perished and a significant number are lost after a boat carrying approximately two hundred migrants seeking to enter the European continent sank in waters near the Gambian coast, officials state.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African migrants trying to reach European nations.
Close to 47,000 individuals made it to the Canaries in 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search-and-rescue operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the military reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven people who died have been recovered, and ten of the survivors are said to be in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants attempting to enter the EU, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the EU has established pacts with multiple North African nations aimed at reducing illegal migration.
