At least seven individuals have died and a significant number remain unaccounted for after a craft carrying approximately two hundred migrants attempting to reach Europe sank near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, officials state.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a search is continuing for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for migrants from Africa seeking entry into European nations.
Close to 47,000 individuals made it to the Canaries in last year and estimates more than 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy initiated a search-and-rescue operation, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven victims who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a common pathway utilized by asylum seekers seeking to get to the EU, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with multiple North African nations aimed at reducing illegal migration.
