Seven dead, dozens missing after boat bound for Canary Islands capsizes in Gambia
bbc.com••world
Key Points:
- At least seven people have died and many others are missing after a boat carrying about 200 migrants capsized off the coast of The Gambia near Jinack village, with 96 rescued so far.
- The vessel, reportedly a large wooden canoe not designed for long ocean journeys, overturned around midnight and was later found grounded on a sandbank; a search-and-rescue operation involving naval vessels and a fishing boat is ongoing.
- Ten of the rescued migrants are in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care, while several victims are not Gambian nationals and their identities are being verified.
- The Gambia has become a common departure point for West African migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic crossing to Spain's Canary Islands, a route increasingly used due to EU
