A minimum of seven souls have died and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a craft transporting around 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent overturned off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight near Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants trying to reach the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants made it to the Spanish archipelago in the year 2024 and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search operation, involving a number of military boats and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military confirmed.
Officials state a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven people who perished at sea were found, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is one of the routes taken by asylum seekers attempting to enter European countries, frequently via dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the EU has established pacts with a number of North African nations with the goal of reducing undocumented migration.
