At least seven souls have died and a significant number remain unaccounted for in the wake of a vessel carrying about two hundred migrants seeking to enter the European continent sank in waters near Gambia, reports confirm.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was afterwards located "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for other passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African asylum seekers seeking entry into European nations.
Nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Canaries in last year and estimates over nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy began a search-and-rescue operation, deploying a number of military boats and a fishing boat that offered help, the defense officials said.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The bodies of the seven victims who drowned have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is one of the routes utilized by migrants attempting to enter European countries, frequently via perilous trips by sea and land.
Recently, the EU has established pacts with several North African nations aimed at reducing irregular migration.
