A minimum of seven souls lost their lives and numerous others remain unaccounted for following a boat transporting around 200 migrants trying to get to the European continent sank off the coast of Gambia, officials state.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night in the vicinity of Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities announced officially.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Close to 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and data indicates in excess of 9,000 people have died trying.
Ongoing Mission
Following the Wednesday incident, Gambia's naval forces began a rescue mission, deploying multiple navy ships and a commercial fishing craft that came to assist, the defence ministry said.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven individuals who drowned have been recovered, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a common pathway taken by migrants seeking to get to Europe, frequently via hazardous voyages over water and land.
In recent years, the EU has reached agreements with several North African countries with the goal of curtailing undocumented migration.
