In brief
A tragic maritime incident occurred off the coast of The Gambia when a boat, carrying approximately 200 migrants seeking to reach Europe, capsized late Wednesday night. Seven bodies were recovered, with many still missing as the local navy and other vessels conduct ongoing search and rescue operations. The perilous Atlantic crossing is increasingly favored by West African migrants aiming for the Canary Islands, despite the dangers involved. In 2024, nearly 47,000 migrants reached these islands, but thousands have lost their lives during the journey.
At least seven people have died and many others are missing after a boat carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned on Wednesday midnight near Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was later found 'grounded on a sandbank,' the country's defence ministry reported.
So far, 96 people have been rescued, and search operations continue for other passengers who were aboard the shipwrecked vessel that was heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.
This route over the Atlantic Ocean has become a common path for African migrants trying to reach Europe, with the journey fraught with peril.
In 2024, nearly 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands from Africa, and the Spanish non-government organization Caminando Fronteras estimates that over 9,000 migrants have died attempting this journey.
Following the accident, Gambia's Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation involving naval vessels and local fishing boats. The type of vessel involved is typically a large wooden canoe not designed for long ocean voyages, which can often lead to overcrowding.
Among the victims, the authorities mentioned that several are not Gambian nationals, and their identities are still being confirmed. Seven bodies have been recovered, and ten of the rescued individuals are currently in critical condition.
The increasing usage of Gambia as a launch point for West African migrants and asylum seekers trying to cross to the Canary Islands has raised concerns. Recently, agreements between the European Union and North African countries aimed at curbing irregular migration have inadvertently pushed migrants to opt for the longer and more dangerous Atlantic route.
