At least seven individuals have died and many others are missing following a boat transporting about 200 migrants seeking to enter European shores sank near the shoreline of The Gambia, officials state.
The boat overturned on Wednesday midnight close to the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were on board the shipwrecked vessel that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers trying to reach the EU.
Close to 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people have died during the journey.
Search and Rescue Efforts
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search-and-rescue operation, involving several naval vessels and a fishing boat that came to assist, the military confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are said to be in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
The Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants attempting to enter European countries, typically through perilous trips over water and land.
Recently, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African countries aimed at limiting irregular migration.
