A minimum of seven souls have died and a significant number are missing in the wake of a vessel transporting around 200 people attempting to reach European shores overturned off the coast of The Gambia, reports confirm.
The boat overturned on Wednesday midnight in the vicinity of Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a search is continuing for other passengers who were traveling on the capsized craft that was bound for the Spanish Canary Islands.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Almost 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people have lost their lives in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search-and-rescue operation, deploying several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Authorities say some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea were found, and ten of the survivors are described as being in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants attempting to enter European countries, often on dangerous journeys over water and land.
Recently, the EU has established pacts with several Maghreb states designed to limiting illegal migration.
