At least seven people have died and a significant number remain unaccounted for after a vessel carrying around 200 people seeking to enter Europe sank near the shoreline of The Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was afterwards located "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were aboard the shipwrecked vessel that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa trying to reach the EU.
Close to 47,000 people reached the Canaries in the year 2024 and figures suggest in excess of 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy began a search-and-rescue operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defence ministry reported.
Authorities say some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven individuals who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in critical 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 perilous trips by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with multiple Maghreb states aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
