No fewer than seven individuals have died and numerous others remain unaccounted for following a craft ferrying approximately two hundred people attempting to reach European shores sank in waters near Gambia, reports confirm.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night close to the village of Jinack in the northern bank region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry announced officially.
96 individuals have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants attempting to get to European nations.
Close to 47,000 people made it to the Canary Islands in last year and estimates in excess of 9,000 migrants have lost their lives trying.
Rescue Operation
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, involving several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven individuals who died have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in critical condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Common Migration Route
Gambia is a common pathway utilized by migrants trying to reach Europe, often on dangerous journeys over water and land.
Recently, the EU has reached agreements with several Maghreb states designed to limiting irregular migration.
