No fewer than seven souls lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a craft carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent capsized off the coast of the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was afterwards located "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for those still missing who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants attempting to get to Europe.
Close to 47,000 people made it to the Spanish archipelago in last year and figures suggest in excess of 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a search operation, deploying multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The bodies of the seven individuals who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a common pathway taken by migrants trying to reach Europe, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has established pacts with several Maghreb states aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
