Dozens Lost Following Boat Transporting 200 Migrants Capsizes near the coast of The Gambia.

No fewer than seven individuals have perished and a significant number are lost after a boat ferrying around 200 migrants trying to get to Europe capsized off the coast of Gambia, authorities say.

The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.

Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for other passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards Spain's Canary Islands.

The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers attempting to get to the EU.

Close to 47,000 individuals made it to the Canary Islands in the year 2024 and estimates more than 9,000 people perished trying.

Rescue Operation

After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a rescue mission, involving a number of military boats and a fishing boat that offered help, the defense officials said.

Authorities say some of the deceased are not from The Gambia and that their details are still being checked.

The remains of the seven individuals who died have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are reported to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.

A Frequent Pathway

Gambia is a common pathway used by asylum seekers trying to reach Europe, often on perilous trips over water and land.

In recent years, the European bloc has established pacts with multiple North African countries with the goal of limiting undocumented migration.