At least seven souls have died and many others are missing after a craft carrying approximately 200 people attempting to reach European shores sank off the coast of The Gambia, officials state.
The vessel capsized in the early hours of Thursday close to Jinack in the North Bank Region and it was subsequently discovered "beached on a shoal", the nation's defense ministry said in a statement.
Ninety-six people have been saved to date and a hunt is ongoing for the remaining passengers who were on board the sunken boat that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands.
The hazardous trip over the Atlantic has become an increasingly common route for African migrants seeking entry into the EU.
Almost forty-seven thousand migrants arrived at the Spanish archipelago in last year and estimates in excess of 9,000 people have died in the attempt.
Rescue Operation
After Wednesday's accident, the navy initiated a rescue mission, deploying several naval vessels and a fishing boat that offered help, the military confirmed.
Officials state several of the victims are not from The Gambia and that their nationalities are still under confirmation.
The deceased of the seven individuals who drowned have been retrieved, and ten of the survivors are said to be in grave health and undergoing emergency treatment.
A Common Migration Route
The Gambia is a common pathway used by migrants seeking to get to European countries, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land.
Over the past few years, the EU has established pacts with a number of Maghreb states aimed at curtailing illegal migration.
