BANJUL: At least seven migrants have died and several others remain missing after a boat carrying more than 200 people capsized in northwestern Gambia.
A total of 96 people have been rescued so far.
According to Gambia’s Ministry of Defence, the incident occurred near midnight in the North Bank Region, close to a coastal village. The vessel later ran aground on a sandbank after overturning in the water. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate missing passengers.
The boat was believed to be transporting migrants attempting to reach Spain via the Canary Islands route, considered one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors. The route is frequently used by West African migrants seeking better economic opportunities in Europe.
Rescue efforts involved three naval speedboats, a coastal patrol vessel, and a local fishing boat whose operators voluntarily assisted in the operation.
Authorities confirmed that 10 of the rescued migrants are in critical condition and are receiving urgent medical treatment. No details were provided regarding the nationalities of those on board.
Comments are closed.