A minimum of seven people have died and numerous others are lost after a craft carrying approximately 200 migrants trying to get to European shores overturned off the coast of Gambia, authorities say.
The boat overturned in the early hours of Thursday near Jinack village in the North Bank area and it was afterwards located "stranded on a sandbar", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
Nearly one hundred people were pulled to safety and a search is continuing for those still missing who were on board the capsized craft that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa attempting to get to the EU.
Close to 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canary Islands in last year and estimates more than 9,000 people have died during the journey.
Ongoing Mission
After Wednesday's accident, Gambia's naval forces initiated a rescue mission, deploying multiple navy ships and a fishing boat that joined the effort, the defense officials reported.
Reports indicate several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their identities are still being verified.
The remains of the seven victims who drowned were found, and 10 of those rescued are said to be in serious condition and getting immediate medical attention.
An Established Corridor
This West African nation is one of the routes utilized by migrants attempting to enter the EU, often on dangerous journeys across ocean and terrain.
Recently, the European Union has forged deals with several North African countries aimed at reducing irregular migration.
