Seven dead, dozens missing after boat bound for Canary Islands capsizes in Gambia

Authorities said that at least seven people died and many others went missing when a boat carrying about 200 migrants trying to reach Europe capsized off the coast of Gambia.

In a statement made by the country’s defense ministry, it was stated that the boat capsized near the village of Jinack in the North Bank Region at midnight on Wednesday and was later found “stranded on a beach”.

While 96 people have been rescued so far, the search for the other passengers on the ship that was heading towards Spain’s Canary Islands continues.

The perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African migrants trying to reach Europe.

About 47,000 people arrived in the Canary Islands in 2024, and the Spanish non-governmental organization Caminando Fronteras estimates that more than 9,000 migrants died in the process.

Following Wednesday’s accident, the Gambia Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation that included several naval ships and a fishing boat coming to help, the defense ministry said.

Officials said some of the victims were not Gambian citizens and their identities were still being verified.

While the bodies of 7 drowned people were found, it was stated that 10 of the rescued people were in critical condition and were taken to emergency medical care.

Gambia is one of the routes used by immigrants trying to reach Europe, often making dangerous journeys by sea and land.

In recent years, the European Union has made agreements with many North African countries to reduce irregular migration.