Tragic Capsizing Off Gambia: Search Underway for Missing Migrants

Desperate Search for Missing Migrants

Banjul (Gambia): A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Gambia, where a boat carrying over 200 migrants capsized, leaving many missing. The Gambian President, Adama Barrow, announced the situation late Friday, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.

So far, at least 102 individuals have been rescued, and seven bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, which took place on New Year's Eve in the North Bank region of Gambia. The search efforts have been bolstered by local fishermen and volunteers, following the incident near Jinack village.

Many Africans, seeking better lives in Europe, risk perilous journeys across the Atlantic, which is known as one of the most dangerous migrant routes connecting West Africa through Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania.

Countless migrants aiming for Spain via the Canary Islands often face tragic outcomes, with numerous boats capsizing. In August 2025, approximately 150 individuals were reported dead or missing after a similar incident off Mauritania's coast. Another tragedy in July 2024 resulted in over a dozen fatalities and 150 individuals unaccounted for.

The cause of the recent capsizing remains unclear, although Gambia's Ministry of Defence reported that the boat was discovered stranded on a sandbank.

President Barrow stated that the national emergency response plan has been activated, and the government is deploying necessary resources to assist survivors. Some of the rescued individuals are receiving urgent medical attention.

Expressing condolences to the affected families, Barrow emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with irregular migration. He pledged to enhance efforts to prevent such migration and to create safer, dignified opportunities for the youth.