BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — Dozens are missing after a boat carrying more than 200 migrants heading to Europe capsized off the coast of The Gambia, the West African country's leader said late Friday, launching a frantic search and rescue operation.
At least 102 survivors have been rescued and seven bodies recovered from a boat that capsized on New Year's Eve in the North Bank region of northwest Gambia, Gambian President Adama Barrow said in a state broadcast.
He said local fishermen and other volunteers had joined emergency services in searching for victims days after Wednesday's incident near the village of Jinak.
Thousands of Africans, desperate for better opportunities in Europe, are risking their lives traveling by boat along the Atlantic Coast, one of the world's deadliest migrant routes that links the West African coast through Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania.
Many migrants trying to reach Spain via the Canary Islands are unable to do so due to the high risk of boats capsizing. In August 2025, about 150 people died or went missing after their boat from Gambia capsized off the coast of Mauritania. A similar incident in July 2024 killed more than a dozen migrants and left another 150 missing.
It is unclear what led to the latest tragedy. The Gambia's Ministry of Defense said the boat was found “stranded on a sandbank.”
“The National Emergency Response Plan has been activated and the government has committed adequate resources to step up efforts and assist survivors,” Barrow said.
Some of the 102 survivors received emergency medical treatment, the Gambian leader said.
Expressing his condolences to the families, Barrow promised a full investigation and called the incident a “painful reminder of the dangerous and life-threatening nature of illegal migration.”
“The government will intensify efforts to prevent illegal migration and remains committed to creating safer and more rewarding opportunities for young people to realize their dreams,” he added.
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