Gambia migrant boat disaster death toll rises to 31, more missing
“Gambia says at least 31 migrants died when an overloaded boat capsized off its coast on New Year’s Eve, with more still missing.”
Key points
- Gambia says at least 31 migrants died when an overloaded boat capsized off its coast on New Year’s Eve, with more still missing.
- Officials say 102 people were rescued as search efforts continued across Gambian and Senegalese waters.
Gambia’s government says at least 31 people have died after a boat carrying undocumented migrants capsized off the country’s coast on New Year’s Eve, raising the toll from earlier reports. Officials said more people remain missing and are feared dead.
Authorities noted that the incident underscores the dangers faced by west African migrants attempting to reach Europe—often via the Spanish Canary Islands—using overcrowded and ageing vessels amid visa restrictions and tighter border controls.
The government said the Gambian Navy launched search-and-rescue efforts after midnight with multiple vessels, supported by a fishing boat. The boat was later located on a sandbank.
In its latest update, the government said 15 bodies were recovered in Gambia and 16 in Senegal. It added that 102 people were rescued, with 23 requiring hospital treatment. President Adama Barrow said the country was in mourning following the disaster.
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