At least twelve migrants have lost their lives this Thursday after the sinking of a vessel off the coast of Gambia, according to the Gambia Red Cross Society. The organization has specified that the "tragic incident" occurred in the vicinity of Jinack Kajata, in the northern border area with Senegal.
The humanitarian entity has explained that the boat was trying to undertake the crossing via the Atlantic route, whose main destination is the Canary Islands. So far, twelve lifeless bodies have been recovered, while search efforts continue due to the existence of an unknown number of missing persons.
"The number of missing persons remains uncertain, and more information is expected as response efforts continue," the organization indicated in a statement released on social media, where it also emphasized that "the organization is working closely with the relevant authorities and other actors involved in the response as the situation evolves."
Similarly, the Gambian Red Cross has stressed that "behind every figure there is a human life, a family, and a community facing loss and uncertainty," and has conveyed its "solidarity" to all affected individuals. "We reaffirm the commitment to preserve human dignity and alleviate human suffering, wherever it may arise," it concluded.
This shipwreck occurs just days after the International Organization for Migration (IOM) pointed out a decrease in the arrivals of migrants from West Africa to Europe, especially to the Canary Islands as the main entry point. However, the tightening of controls in Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal has shifted the departure points further south, increasing the risk and danger of these crossings.