New Year’s Eve turned into a fight for life off the Gambian coast. A vessel carrying more than 200 migrants capsized after becoming stuck on a sandy shoal. Rescuers managed to save 102 people, but dozens more remain missing.
Several dozen people are still missing after a boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia in West Africa on the night of January 1. According to the AP agency, Gambian President Adama Barrow informed about this on Friday evening, who immediately ordered a search and rescue operation.
- A boat with migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia.
- More than 100 people were rescued, seven victims.
- The ship got stuck on a sandy shoal, the cause of the tragedy is unknown.
- Migration across the Atlantic is one of the most dangerous routes.
The ship was wedged on a sandy shoal
At least 102 people have been rescued from a boat that capsized near the village of Jinack in the North Bank region of the country’s northwest. Seven bodies were recovered from the water. Rescue services are cooperating with local fishermen and volunteers in the search.
It is not yet clear what caused the tragedy; Gambia’s Ministry of Defense said the ship was found “wetched on a sandy shoal”.
President Barrow promised a thorough investigation into the accident, which he described as a “painful reminder of the dangerous and life-threatening nature of illegal migration”. He announced that the government will strengthen the prevention of illegal migration and is determined to create opportunities for a better and more dignified life, especially for young people.
Many Africans flee to Europe by boat
The AP added that thousands of Africans are risking their lives by sailing on boats along the Atlantic coast in an attempt to reach Europe – this is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world, which connects the West African coast through Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania.
Many Africans try to reach the Spanish Canary Islands, which represent the gateway to continental Europe. The recent tightening of maritime controls in Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco has meant that vessels bound for the Canary Islands have to sail from even greater distances – from as far away as Gambia or Guinea – increasing the time spent at sea and increasing the level of risk.
