No fewer than seven people have died and numerous others are lost in the wake of a vessel transporting about 200 migrants attempting to reach European shores overturned in waters near the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were traveling on the shipwrecked vessel that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers attempting to get to European nations.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in last year and estimates over nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search operation, using multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that came to assist, the defence ministry said.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The bodies of the seven people 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
Gambia is a frequent corridor utilized by migrants trying to reach European countries, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the EU has reached agreements with a number of North African nations with the goal of curtailing irregular migration.
