A minimum of seven people have perished and numerous others are lost after a vessel carrying about two hundred people attempting to reach European shores overturned in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night close to Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was later found "stranded on a sandbar", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were traveling on the shipwrecked vessel that was heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African migrants seeking entry into European nations.
Almost 47,000 individuals arrived at the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces began a search-and-rescue operation, using multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that came to assist, the military said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven victims who died were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by asylum seekers trying to reach the EU, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with a number of Maghreb states aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
