At least seven individuals have perished and many others are lost after a craft transporting approximately 200 people trying to get to the European continent capsized in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the country's defence ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Almost 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canaries in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 people have lost their lives during the journey.
Search and Rescue Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search operation, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defense officials reported.
Authorities say several of the victims are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and ten of the survivors are reported to be in critical condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a frequent corridor taken by migrants trying to reach Europe, typically through hazardous voyages over water and land.
Over the past few years, the European bloc has forged deals with several North African countries aimed at reducing illegal migration.
