At least seven individuals have died and many others are missing after a vessel carrying approximately 200 migrants attempting to reach European shores sank off the coast of The Gambia, reports confirm.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was afterwards located "stranded on a sandbar", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for other passengers who were traveling on the sunken boat that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African asylum seekers attempting to get to European nations.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people have lost their lives in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a search operation, deploying a number of military boats and a fishing boat that came to assist, the defence ministry reported.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who drowned were found, and ten of the survivors are said to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a frequent corridor used by migrants attempting to enter European countries, typically through dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
Over the past few years, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African nations designed to limiting irregular migration.
