At least seven people lost their lives and many others are missing after a boat carrying approximately 200 migrants trying to get to Europe capsized off the coast of Gambia, officials state.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Canaries in 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 migrants have lost their lives trying.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Gambian Navy began a search operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that offered help, the military said.
Officials state several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven individuals who drowned have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants seeking to get to the EU, frequently via hazardous voyages over water and land.
Recently, the EU has reached agreements with several North African countries aimed at limiting irregular migration.
