A minimum of seven people lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for following a boat carrying about two hundred migrants trying to get to European shores overturned off the coast of The Gambia, reports confirm.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African migrants trying to reach Europe.
Close to 47,000 individuals made it to the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 migrants perished trying.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the military reported.
Officials state a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven victims who drowned were found, and a dozen of the saved are said to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants seeking to get to European countries, often on dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the EU has forged deals with a number of North African countries aimed at reducing illegal migration.
