At least seven individuals have died and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a craft transporting approximately 200 people attempting to reach the European continent sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was afterwards located "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants trying to reach European nations.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in 2024 and figures suggest in excess of 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, the navy began a search-and-rescue operation, involving a number of military boats and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials confirmed.
Officials state several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are said to be in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants seeking to get to European countries, typically through hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the European Union has established pacts with a number of Maghreb states aimed at reducing undocumented migration.
