Dozens Missing After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off the Coast of Gambia

Rescue teams in West Africa are continuing a desperate search for missing migrants after a boat carrying around 200 people capsized off the coast of The Gambia, leaving at least seven confirmed dead and dozens unaccounted for. Authorities say the vessel was attempting the dangerous Atlantic crossing to Europe when it overturned near a coastal village late Wednesday night.

According to the Gambian defence ministry, the incident occurred close to Jinack village in the country’s North Bank Region shortly after midnight. The overcrowded boat later became grounded on a nearby sandbank, complicating rescue efforts in the dark and turbulent waters. Survivors reported chaos as the vessel began to tilt, throwing passengers into the sea with little warning.

So far, 96 people have been rescued by local fishermen, naval patrols and emergency responders. Many of those pulled from the water were suffering from exhaustion, dehydration and shock after hours clinging to debris or struggling to stay afloat. Medical teams have been providing urgent care, while survivors are being questioned to establish how many people were on board and where the journey began.

Officials fear the death toll could rise as search operations continue along the coastline and surrounding waters. Several passengers remain missing, and authorities say hopes are fading as time passes. Strong currents, low visibility and the vast search area are making the operation extremely challenging.

The boat was reportedly heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands, a route that has become increasingly popular but deadly for migrants from West Africa. The Atlantic crossing is one of the most perilous migration routes in the world, with long distances, unpredictable weather and unseaworthy vessels often used by smugglers.

Migration experts say worsening economic conditions, unemployment and political instability across parts of West Africa are driving more people to attempt the journey despite the risks. Many migrants see the Canary Islands as a gateway to mainland Europe, even though thousands have died trying to reach them in recent years.

Local residents near Jinack village described hearing cries for help during the night and rushing to the shore to assist survivors. Fishermen played a crucial role in the early hours, using small boats to pull people from the water before official rescue teams arrived. Community leaders have praised their actions, calling them lifesaving efforts carried out at great personal risk.

European and African authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers of irregular sea migration, but departures continue to rise. Aid groups argue that crackdowns alone are not enough and say greater attention must be given to addressing the root causes forcing people to leave their homes.

As families wait anxiously for news of missing relatives, the tragedy has once again highlighted the human cost of migration across the Atlantic. Gambian officials say search and rescue operations will continue as long as conditions allow, while investigations are underway to determine who organised the journey and whether safety regulations were ignored.

The sinking adds to a growing list of deadly incidents along Europe bound migration routes and serves as another stark reminder of the risks faced by those seeking a better future by sea.