No fewer than seven souls have died and a significant number remain unaccounted for in the wake of a craft carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent capsized in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a hunt is ongoing for those still missing who were on board the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers seeking entry into Europe.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in last year and data indicates over nine thousand individuals perished during the journey.
Search and Rescue Efforts
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that joined the effort, the defense officials said.
Authorities say a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been retrieved, and a dozen of the saved are said to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a frequent corridor taken by migrants trying to reach European countries, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African countries with the goal of limiting irregular migration.
