At least seven individuals have died and numerous others are missing after a boat carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach the European continent sank near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The craft flipped late Wednesday night close to the village of Jinack in the North Bank area and it was afterwards located "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for other passengers who were on board the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African migrants trying to reach the EU.
Almost 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and figures suggest more than 9,000 migrants perished trying.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that came to assist, the military reported.
Officials state some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The deceased of the seven individuals who died have been recovered, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
A Frequent Pathway
This West African nation is a common pathway taken by asylum seekers attempting to enter Europe, often on perilous trips by sea and land.
In recent years, the EU has reached agreements with several North African nations aimed at reducing irregular migration.
