A minimum of seven people have died and numerous others are missing after a craft ferrying approximately 200 people trying to get to European shores sank near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, officials state.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night close to Jinack in the North Bank area and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry announced officially.
Ninety-six people have been rescued so far and a hunt is ongoing for other passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was en route to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The dangerous voyage over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for migrants from Africa attempting to get to European nations.
Nearly 47,000 individuals made it to the Spanish archipelago in last year and figures suggest over 9,000 people have died trying.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, The Gambian Navy initiated a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that came to assist, the defense officials said.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who perished at sea were found, and a dozen of the saved are reported to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is one of the routes used by migrants seeking to get to the EU, often on perilous trips by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has forged deals with several North African countries designed to limiting illegal migration.
