A minimum of seven souls have perished and a significant number are lost in the wake of a boat ferrying approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent sank in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night in the vicinity of the village of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers trying to reach the EU.
Close to 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in 2024 and figures suggest more than nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, the navy launched a rescue mission, involving several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven people who drowned were found, and ten of the survivors are reported to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants trying to reach Europe, frequently via dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the EU has established pacts with a number of North African nations aimed at limiting irregular migration.
