At least seven people have died and numerous others are missing in the wake of a craft carrying approximately 200 migrants seeking to enter Europe overturned near the shoreline of Gambia, authorities say.
The vessel capsized late Wednesday night in the vicinity of the village of Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the Gambian military authorities said in a statement.
Ninety-six people were pulled to safety and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were aboard the sunken boat that was bound for the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a rising pathway for African asylum seekers attempting to get to European nations.
Close to 47,000 people arrived at the Canaries in last year and estimates more than 9,000 people perished trying.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces initiated a search-and-rescue operation, using a number of military boats and a fishing vessel that joined the effort, the military confirmed.
Authorities say a number of those who died are not Gambian nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The remains of the seven people who died were found, and a dozen of the saved are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Common Migration Route
This West African nation is a common pathway taken by migrants seeking to get to the EU, often on dangerous journeys over water and land.
In recent years, the European Union has forged deals with multiple Maghreb states aimed at reducing illegal migration.
