A boat carrying about two hundred migrants capsized near the coast of The Gambia, and the government says at least seven people have died while many others are still missing. The accident happened at night near Jinack Village, and ninety six people were rescued, some of them with serious injuries, and the boat was later found stuck on a sandbank in the water.

The Gambian Navy began a search and rescue operation after a distress call was received, and several naval boats worked together with a fishing boat to help people from the scene. Authorities say that some of the people on the boat may be from other countries, and their identities are still being checked as the investigation continues.

Many migrants from Africa try to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Canary Islands in hopes of finding better opportunities in Europe. Because of tighter sea controls in some nearby countries, more people are now leaving from places like The Gambia and Guinea Conakry, which makes the journey longer and more dangerous.