At least seven individuals have perished and numerous others are lost following a boat carrying about two hundred people seeking to enter Europe sank in waters near the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight near the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canaries in last year and estimates more than nine thousand individuals perished in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy launched a search operation, using a number of military boats and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defence ministry confirmed.
Authorities say some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven people who died have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants trying to reach European countries, often on hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
In recent years, the EU has established pacts with several North African countries with the goal of reducing irregular migration.
