🔗 Share this article Numerous People Lost After Boat Transporting 200 Asylum Seekers Sinks off Gambia. The capsized craft was discovered stranded on a shoal, authorities say. No fewer than seven souls have died and a significant number remain unaccounted for following a craft carrying approximately two hundred people attempting to reach Europe sank in waters near Gambia, authorities say. The vessel capsized on Wednesday midnight close to Jinack village in the North Bank Region and it was later found "beached on a shoal", the country's defence ministry said in a statement. 96 individuals have been rescued so far and a rescue operation continues for those still missing who were aboard the shipwrecked vessel that was bound for Spain's Canary Islands. The hazardous trip over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African asylum seekers trying to reach European nations. Nearly 47,000 individuals arrived at the Canaries in 2024 and data indicates in excess of nine thousand individuals have lost their lives in the attempt. Rescue Operation After Wednesday's accident, the navy began a rescue mission, using a number of military boats and a fishing boat that offered help, the military confirmed. Authorities say several of the victims are foreign nationals and that their nationalities are still under confirmation. The remains of the seven individuals who perished at sea have been retrieved, and 10 of those rescued are described as being in serious condition and receiving urgent medical care. An Established Corridor Gambia is one of the routes used by migrants trying to reach European countries, typically through dangerous journeys by sea and land. In recent years, the EU has forged deals with several North African countries with the goal of reducing illegal migration.