At least seven people died in Gambian boat tragedy. Many others remain missing after a boat with about 200 migrants capsized off The Gambia’s coast. The migrants aimed for Europe, authorities report.
The boat flipped over at midnight on Wednesday near Jinack village in the North Bank Region. It ended up stuck on a sandbank, the defense ministry stated.
Rescuers have saved 96 people so far. Search teams keep looking for others from the wrecked boat. It was bound for Spain’s Canary Islands.
This risky Atlantic crossing has grown popular among African migrants headed to Europe.
In 2024, nearly 47,000 people made it to the Canary Islands. The Spanish group Caminando Fronteras says over 9,000 migrants died in the attempt.
After the crash, The Gambian Navy started a search-and-rescue effort. It used several navy ships and a fishing boat for help, the ministry noted.
Some victims are not from The Gambia. Officials are still checking their identities.
Teams recovered the seven drowned bodies. Ten of the rescued people are in bad shape and get urgent medical aid.
The Gambia serves as one path for migrants to Europe. They often face danger by sea and land.
Lately, the European Union struck deals with North African nations to cut down on illegal crossings.
