No fewer than seven people lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for in the wake of a vessel ferrying about two hundred people trying to get to European shores sank in waters near the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The craft flipped on Wednesday midnight close to the village of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were traveling on the shipwrecked vessel that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Close to forty-seven thousand migrants reached the Canaries in last year and estimates more than nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy initiated a rescue mission, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defense officials said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are said to be in serious condition and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a common pathway taken by migrants attempting to enter the EU, frequently via dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has forged deals with multiple North African countries designed to limiting irregular migration.
