At least seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others are missing in the wake of a boat transporting around two hundred people trying to get to Europe capsized off the coast of Gambia, officials state.
The boat overturned late Wednesday night close to Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were traveling on the sunken boat that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into European nations.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, the navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, using several naval vessels and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defense officials reported.
Authorities say several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who drowned have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants trying to reach Europe, typically through hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with multiple North African countries designed to limiting irregular migration.
