Africa-Press – Gambia. At least seven people have been confirmed dead following the capsizing of a boat carrying irregular migrants off the coast near Jinack Village in The Gambia’s North Bank Region, authorities said on Wednesday, as search and rescue operations continue for those still missing.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the government said the incident occurred around midnight on December 31, 2025, involving a vessel reportedly transporting more than 200 migrants on an irregular journey toward Europe.
The Gambia Navy launched an emergency response shortly after receiving a distress alert. A naval patrol vessel, GNS Jambar, which was on a routine fisheries protection patrol, was immediately recalled and redirected to the scene. Additional search, rescue and recovery efforts were mounted in coordination with other security and emergency agencies. A naval rescue vessel was also dispatched from the Fisheries Jetty in Banjul at about 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
According to the ministry, the distressed boat was later found grounded on a sandbank. The rescue operation involved three naval speedboats and a coastal patrol vessel, with assistance from a local fishing canoe whose operators volunteered to support the effort.
As of the time of the statement, 96 people had been rescued. Of these, 39 were admitted to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, while 57 were receiving medical care at the naval base. Ten of the survivors were reported to be in critical condition and undergoing urgent treatment.
Authorities confirmed that seven bodies had been recovered, while a number of passengers remain unaccounted for. Some of the victims are believed to be non-Gambians, and officials said efforts were underway to verify their nationalities.
The government has activated the National Emergency Response Plan, intensifying search and recovery operations with the deployment of all necessary national resources.
In its statement, the government expressed deep concern over the incident, reaffirmed its commitment to deterring irregular migration, and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Officials said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
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