At least seven people have died and many others remain unaccounted for following a boat ferrying about 200 people trying to get to European shores sank in waters near The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped in the early hours of Thursday near the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Close to 47,000 people reached the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the military reported.
Authorities say several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The bodies of the seven people who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a common pathway used by migrants seeking to get to Europe, typically through dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African countries with the goal of limiting illegal migration.
