At least seven people have died and many others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a boat transporting approximately two hundred people attempting to reach Europe sank in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people have been rescued so far and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants attempting to get to Europe.
Nearly forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Spanish archipelago in last year and figures suggest over nine thousand individuals perished in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy initiated a search-and-rescue operation, involving a number of military boats and a fishing boat that offered help, the defense officials said.
Authorities say several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven victims who died have been retrieved, and ten of the survivors are reported to be in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants trying to reach Europe, frequently via dangerous journeys over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has forged deals with several North African countries designed to curtailing undocumented migration.
