A minimum of seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a boat carrying about 200 migrants seeking to enter Europe capsized in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa trying to reach European nations.
Nearly 47,000 people arrived at the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy launched a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defence ministry reported.
Officials state some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven people who died have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are reported to be in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is one of the routes used by migrants seeking to get to the EU, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the EU has forged deals with multiple North African countries designed to reducing illegal migration.
