Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Seven individuals have tragically perished, with many others unaccounted for after a ship carrying approximately 200 migrants capsized off the Gambia coast. The catastrophe took place near Jinack village in the North Bank Region just after midnight on Wednesday, as reported by the Gambian Defence Ministry.
The capsized boat was later found stranded on a sandbank, prompting ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. To date, 96 individuals have been rescued, with authorities continuing their mission to locate the missing. The vessel was on its way to the Canary Islands, a dangerous Atlantic passage often taken by African migrants attempting to reach Europe.
The Gambian Navy has taken the lead in the rescue operation, deploying several naval vessels and receiving help from local fishermen. While the specific type of boat has not been revealed, such crafts are typically overcrowded wooden canoes, ill-equipped for long oceanic journeys exceeding 1,500 kilometers (900 miles).
Among those rescued, ten people are in critical condition and are receiving immediate medical attention. The identities of some victims remain unknown, with several not being of Gambian nationality.
The Gambia has emerged as a notable origin point for West African migrants aiming to reach Europe via the perilous Canary Islands route. Due to recent EU agreements with North African nations that have tightened migration pathways, many migrants are now forced to embark on this treacherous Atlantic journey.
In 2024 alone, nearly 47,000 migrants have landed on the Canary Islands, with humanitarian organizations estimating over 9,000 have lost their lives in recent years while attempting to undertake this hazardous voyage.
English
