At least seven souls lost their lives and numerous others are missing following a vessel carrying around 200 migrants trying to get to Europe capsized in waters near Gambia, reports confirm.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was heading towards the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African asylum seekers attempting to get to Europe.
Close to 47,000 people reached the Spanish archipelago in last year and estimates more than 9,000 people have died trying.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, involving multiple navy ships and a fishing vessel that came to assist, the defence ministry reported.
Authorities say several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants attempting to enter the EU, often on dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European bloc has forged deals with multiple Maghreb states designed to limiting irregular migration.
