A minimum of seven souls have perished and numerous others are lost following a craft carrying about 200 people attempting to reach European shores overturned off the coast of Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight near Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into the EU.
Close to 47,000 people made it to the Spanish archipelago in 2024 and estimates in excess of nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a search-and-rescue operation, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that offered help, the defence ministry reported.
Officials state several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a frequent corridor used by asylum seekers seeking to get to European countries, typically through perilous trips over water and land.
Over the past few years, the European bloc has forged deals with multiple North African nations with the goal of limiting illegal migration.
