At least seven people lost their lives and a significant number are missing following a vessel transporting about 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe sank in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to the village of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers seeking entry into European nations.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Canaries in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Gambian Navy launched a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that came to assist, the military said.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven victims who perished at sea were found, and ten of the survivors are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a frequent corridor used by migrants attempting to enter the EU, frequently via perilous trips across ocean and terrain.
Over the past few years, the European Union has forged deals with several Maghreb states aimed at reducing undocumented migration.
