At least seven people have perished and a significant number are missing after a boat ferrying around 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, officials state.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday in the vicinity of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry stated in a release.
96 individuals were pulled to safety and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa trying to reach the EU.
Nearly 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and figures suggest more than nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
Following the Wednesday incident, the navy began a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that offered help, the defense officials reported.
Authorities say some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The remains of the seven victims who died were found, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in grave health and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
Gambia is one of the routes utilized by migrants seeking to get to the EU, typically through perilous trips over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has reached agreements with a number of North African countries aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
