A minimum of seven individuals lost their lives and many others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a boat transporting around 200 migrants seeking to enter European shores capsized near the shoreline of Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight close to the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the sunken boat that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa trying to reach the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Canary Islands in last year and figures suggest more than 9,000 people have lost their lives during the journey.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces began a rescue mission, using multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven victims who drowned have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by asylum seekers trying to reach Europe, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has reached agreements with multiple North African nations aimed at reducing undocumented migration.
