At least seven individuals have perished and a significant number remain unaccounted for after a boat carrying about 200 people attempting to reach the European continent overturned in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into European nations.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and figures suggest more than 9,000 migrants have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy launched a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military reported.
Officials state a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven victims who died were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a common pathway utilized by migrants attempting to enter the EU, typically through hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
In recent years, the European bloc has forged deals with multiple Maghreb states designed to curtailing undocumented migration.
