No fewer than seven people have perished and a significant number remain unaccounted for following a craft carrying about two hundred migrants seeking to enter European shores sank in waters near the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers attempting to get to the EU.
Close to 47,000 individuals made it to the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and estimates over nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces launched a search-and-rescue operation, deploying a number of military boats and a fishing boat that offered help, the military said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who drowned were found, and a dozen of the saved are said to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by asylum seekers trying to reach the EU, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has established pacts with several North African countries designed to curtailing undocumented migration.
