No fewer than seven souls have died and numerous others are missing in the wake of a craft transporting approximately 200 people trying to get to Europe overturned off the coast of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a search is continuing for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Almost 47,000 people made it to the Canaries in the year 2024 and data indicates more than 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, using a number of military boats and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defence ministry reported.
Authorities say several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The bodies of the seven people who perished at sea have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway utilized by migrants trying to reach the EU, frequently via perilous trips across ocean and terrain.
In recent years, the European bloc has reached agreements with several North African nations designed to reducing irregular migration.
