No fewer than seven souls have died and many others remain unaccounted for after a craft ferrying approximately two hundred migrants trying to get to European shores overturned near the shoreline of The Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Close to 47,000 people made it to the Canary Islands in 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces began a rescue mission, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven people who perished at sea were found, and ten of the survivors are reported to be in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is one of the routes utilized by migrants attempting to enter Europe, frequently via hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Recently, the European Union has forged deals with several North African nations aimed at limiting illegal migration.
