No fewer than seven people have died and a significant number are lost in the wake of a vessel carrying about two hundred migrants seeking to enter the European continent capsized near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were on board the shipwrecked vessel that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa trying to reach European nations.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Spanish archipelago in last year and estimates over 9,000 migrants perished during the journey.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces launched a rescue mission, deploying a number of military boats and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven people who drowned have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a frequent corridor used by migrants trying to reach European countries, often on perilous trips over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has reached agreements with multiple North African nations designed to curtailing irregular migration.
