By Mardiyyah Abubakar
At least 12 bodies have been recovered after a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of The Gambia, with an unknown number of passengers still missing.
The Gambia Red Cross Society confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, saying rescue operations were ongoing as authorities searched for survivors.
The boat reportedly departed from Jinack Kajata, a village on an Atlantic island that has become a frequent departure point for migrants attempting the dangerous journey to Spain’s Canary Islands.
The Atlantic route is notorious for its strong currents and overcrowded, poorly equipped vessels, which expose passengers to a high risk of drowning.
“The number of missing remains unclear. Further information is expected as rescue operations continue,” the Red Cross said.
The latest tragedy comes less than a year after a similar disaster off Jinack Kajata in December 2025, when more than 40 people died and about 100 others were reported missing.
Increased maritime patrols off Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal have pushed some migrants to depart farther south, extending their journeys and increasing the dangers.
The Canary Islands remain a major entry point into Europe for people fleeing poverty, conflict and persecution, alongside Mediterranean routes through Italy and Greece.
Migrant arrivals to the Spanish archipelago exceeded 46,000 in 2024 but have since fallen sharply as Spain intensifies efforts to curb irregular migration.
