Seven bodies were recovered and 96 people rescued after a boat capsized overnight in northwest Gambia, the defense ministry said.

The vessel, reportedly carrying over 200 migrants, overturned near a village in the North Bank region. Later, it was found grounded on a sandbank.

Search and recovery operations are continuing, according to the ministry. The rescue involved three naval speedboats, a coastal patrol vessel, and a local fishing canoe.

Ten of the rescued migrants were in critical condition and receiving urgent medical attention. The ministry did not provide their nationalities.

This is the latest deadly incident along one of the world’s most dangerous migrant routes. Many West Africans attempt the journey to Spain via the Canary Islands.

In 2024, more than 46,000 irregular migrants reached the Canary Islands, setting a record. Over 10,000 died trying, a 58% increase over 2023, according to rights group Caminando Fronteras.

During the first 11 months of 2025, irregular migration along the West African route fell 60%, the EU border agency Frontex reported.

Frontal authorities credit the drop to stronger prevention efforts by departure countries in coordination with EU member states.

In one of the deadliest recent accidents, at least 70 people died in August 2025 when a migrant boat believed to have departed from Gambia capsized.

The ongoing search underscores the continued risks of migration along this route and the urgent need for rescue and safety measures.

Authorities continue to coordinate recovery and medical assistance for survivors while investigating the cause of the latest capsizing.

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