At least seven individuals have perished and many others remain unaccounted for after a boat transporting approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach European shores sank in waters near The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were traveling on the shipwrecked vessel that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers trying to reach European nations.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 people have lost their lives during the journey.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a search operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing boat that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who died were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway used by asylum seekers attempting to enter the EU, frequently via hazardous voyages by sea and land.
In recent years, the EU has established pacts with multiple North African nations with the goal of limiting undocumented migration.
