At least seven people have perished and numerous others are missing after a boat transporting about two hundred migrants trying to get to European shores sank near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for other passengers who were on board the capsized craft that was heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants attempting to get to European nations.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in last year and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy launched a search operation, involving a number of military boats and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the military said.
Officials state some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven individuals who died were found, and ten of the survivors are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
This West African nation is a common pathway used by asylum seekers attempting to enter the EU, typically through hazardous voyages over water and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has reached agreements with several Maghreb states with the goal of curtailing illegal migration.
