At least seven people have perished and numerous others remain unaccounted for following a craft transporting around 200 people attempting to reach European shores sank in waters near The Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The dangerous voyage over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers seeking entry into Europe.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and figures suggest in excess of 9,000 migrants have died during the journey.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, using several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the military confirmed.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven people who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a common pathway used by migrants trying to reach the EU, often on hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has established pacts with multiple North African nations with the goal of curtailing illegal migration.
