No fewer than seven people lost their lives and numerous others are missing in the wake of a vessel transporting around two hundred migrants trying to get to the European continent sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night near Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was later found "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
96 individuals have been saved to date and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The hazardous trip over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Nearly 47,000 people made it to the Canaries in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 migrants perished during the journey.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy began a search operation, involving several naval vessels and a fishing boat that came to assist, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are not from The Gambia and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea were found, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a common pathway taken by asylum seekers attempting to enter Europe, frequently via hazardous voyages by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the European bloc has reached agreements with multiple Maghreb states designed to reducing irregular migration.
