No fewer than seven souls lost their lives and a significant number are lost after a craft carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent overturned in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa attempting to get to the EU.
Nearly 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and figures suggest more than 9,000 migrants have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that offered help, the military confirmed.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven victims who died were found, and ten of the survivors are described as being in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a common pathway used by asylum seekers attempting to enter Europe, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
Over the past few years, the European bloc has reached agreements with multiple North African nations aimed at reducing illegal migration.
