Summary
A boat carrying over 200 people capsized off the coast of The Gambia. At least seven people died, and many others are missing. The Gambian navy rescued at least 96 people and is continuing search efforts.
Key Facts
- A boat capsized off The Gambia's coast, carrying more than 200 people.
- At least seven people have died, and dozens are missing.
- The incident happened around midnight on Thursday near a village in the North Bank region.
- The Gambian navy conducted a search-and-rescue operation, recovering seven bodies and rescuing at least 96 people.
- Many of the rescued people were seriously injured, and some victims are not Gambian nationals.
- The Gambia is a common starting point for migrants trying to reach Spain’s Canary Islands by sea.
- In 2024, over 46,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands, with more than 10,000 deaths reported on the journey.
- Irregular migration on this route decreased by 60 percent in the first 11 months of 2025, according to Frontex.
