No fewer than seven souls have perished and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a craft ferrying about 200 people attempting to reach Europe capsized near the shoreline of The Gambia, officials state.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was afterwards located "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the shipwrecked vessel that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African asylum seekers trying to reach Europe.
Almost 47,000 people made it to the Canaries in the year 2024 and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defense officials confirmed.
Authorities say several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven individuals who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by asylum seekers trying to reach European countries, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has reached agreements with multiple Maghreb states designed to limiting illegal migration.
