At least seven souls have died and numerous others are lost following a craft transporting about 200 people trying to get to the European continent sank near the shoreline of the Gambian coast, reports confirm.
The boat overturned on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack village in the northern bank region and it was subsequently discovered "grounded on a sandbank", the nation's defense ministry stated in a release.
Nearly one hundred people have been saved to date and a rescue operation continues for other passengers who were aboard the capsized craft that was en route to the Canary Islands of Spain.
The perilous journey over the Atlantic has grown into a more frequent path for migrants from Africa trying to reach European nations.
Close to 47,000 people reached the Canaries in last year and data indicates more than nine thousand individuals have died in the attempt.
Ongoing Mission
In the aftermath of the disaster, Gambia's naval forces began a search operation, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing vessel that offered help, the military reported.
Reports indicate some of the deceased are foreign nationals and that their details are still being checked.
The deceased of the seven individuals who drowned have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
A Frequent Pathway
The Gambia is a frequent corridor used by migrants attempting to enter Europe, typically through dangerous journeys over water and land.
Recently, the EU has established pacts with several North African nations aimed at reducing illegal migration.