At least seven people have died and dozens more are missing after a boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the Gambian coast, authorities say. The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday near a village in the North Bank region, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Gambian officials confirmed that 96 people were rescued, many with serious injuries. The navy launched a search-and-rescue operation immediately after receiving a distress call, involving naval vessels and a fishing boat that assisted in the recovery.
The vessel was later found grounded on a sandbank, and several victims were reported to be non-Gambians. Authorities say they are working to verify the identities of those rescued and the deceased.
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The Gambia has become a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Spain’s Canary Islands. Despite a 60 percent drop in irregular migration along the West African route in 2025, migrants continue to attempt the dangerous journey on overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.
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