No fewer than seven people have died and many others remain unaccounted for after a craft carrying about two hundred people trying to get to the European continent overturned in waters near Gambia, officials state.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe.
Almost 47,000 people made it to the Canaries in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 people have lost their lives in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the military said.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The bodies of the seven people who perished at sea have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a common pathway taken by migrants trying to reach the EU, frequently via hazardous voyages over water and land.
Recently, the European bloc has forged deals with multiple North African countries designed to reducing undocumented migration.
