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Seven Dead, Dozens Missing After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off The Gambia

The case highlights the lethal risks on the West Africa to Canary Islands route, which saw record arrivals in 2024.

Overview

  • The Defence Ministry said a boat carrying more than 200 people capsized around midnight off the North Bank region.
  • Authorities reported seven bodies recovered and 96 people rescued, with ten in critical condition receiving urgent care.
  • Dozens are believed missing as search-and-recovery operations continue, and the wreck was later found grounded on a sandbank.
  • The navy deployed three speedboats and a coastal patrol vessel, and a local fishing canoe volunteered to assist after a distress call.
  • Officials are verifying victims’ identities after noting some are not Gambian, while Frontex reports a 60% drop on this route through most of 2025.