At least seven people have died and many others are lost following a boat transporting approximately two hundred migrants seeking to enter the European continent sank off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa attempting to get to the EU.
Nearly 47,000 individuals reached the Spanish archipelago in last year and estimates in excess of 9,000 people have died trying.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Gambian Navy began a rescue mission, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Authorities say some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven people who died have been retrieved, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is one of the routes taken by migrants attempting to enter European countries, frequently via hazardous voyages over water and land.
Recently, the EU has forged deals with multiple Maghreb states with the goal of reducing irregular migration.
