At least seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others are missing after a boat ferrying approximately 200 migrants trying to get to European shores sank off the coast of Gambia, reports confirm.
The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "grounded on a sandbank", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for the remaining passengers who were on board the capsized craft that was en route to Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa seeking entry into Europe.
Almost 47,000 individuals made it to the Canaries in last year and estimates over 9,000 people perished during the journey.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, The Gambian Navy initiated a search operation, using several naval vessels and a commercial fishing craft that offered help, the defense officials said.
Officials state some of the deceased are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven victims who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is a common pathway used by asylum seekers attempting to enter European countries, often on hazardous voyages across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the EU has reached agreements with multiple Maghreb states aimed at reducing irregular migration.
