At least seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for following a craft transporting about two hundred migrants trying to get to Europe overturned near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were on board the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Nearly 47,000 people reached the Canaries in last year and figures suggest more than 9,000 migrants have lost their lives trying.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy launched a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that came to assist, the military confirmed.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven victims who drowned have been recovered, and ten of the survivors are reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway utilized by migrants seeking to get to European countries, frequently via perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the EU has forged deals with a number of North African nations aimed at limiting irregular migration.
