A minimum of seven individuals lost their lives and a significant number are lost following a boat ferrying approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach European shores sank near the shoreline of The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack in the North Bank area and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the shipwrecked vessel that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in 2024 and data indicates more than 9,000 migrants perished trying.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven people who died have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants attempting to enter European countries, frequently via hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the EU has established pacts with multiple North African countries aimed at reducing undocumented migration.
