A minimum of seven individuals lost their lives and many others are lost following a boat ferrying around two hundred people attempting to reach Europe overturned near the shoreline of Gambia, reports confirm.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night close to Jinack in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for those still missing who were traveling on the capsized craft that was heading towards the Canary Islands of Spain.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic Ocean has grown into a more frequent path for African migrants seeking entry into Europe.
Nearly 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and figures suggest more than 9,000 people perished in the attempt.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a rescue mission, using several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the defense officials confirmed.
Reports indicate a number of those who died are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The bodies of the seven individuals who died have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are reported to be in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is a common pathway used by migrants attempting to enter Europe, often on dangerous journeys by sea and land.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with multiple North African countries with the goal of reducing undocumented migration.
