At least seven individuals lost their lives and a significant number are lost after a vessel carrying approximately two hundred people seeking to enter European shores sank near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers seeking entry into European nations.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Canaries in last year and data indicates in excess of nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces began a rescue mission, involving a number of military boats and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military confirmed.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven people who drowned have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants trying to reach Europe, frequently via perilous trips across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the European bloc has reached agreements with several North African nations aimed at curtailing irregular migration.
