At least seven people lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a boat carrying around two hundred migrants trying to get to European shores capsized near the shoreline of Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants trying to reach European nations.
Nearly 47,000 individuals arrived at the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people perished trying.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, the navy began a rescue mission, using several naval vessels and a fishing boat that offered help, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The bodies of the seven individuals who drowned have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a common pathway taken by asylum seekers attempting to enter European countries, often on dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
Over the past few years, the European bloc has established pacts with several North African countries aimed at curtailing undocumented migration.
