A minimum of seven people lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for following a craft carrying about two hundred migrants attempting to reach European shores overturned off the coast of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the sunken boat that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Almost 47,000 people reached the Canary Islands in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
After Wednesday's accident, the navy launched a rescue mission, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Officials state several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants seeking to get to European countries, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has reached agreements with multiple North African countries with the goal of curtailing irregular migration.
