Dozens of people are feared missing after a boat carrying more than 200 migrants bound for Europe capsized off the coast of Ganbia on New Year’s Eve, authorities have confirmed.
In a national address late Friday, Gambian President disclosed that at least 102 survivors had been rescued so far, while seven bodies had been recovered following the tragic incident. Several of the survivors, he added, are receiving urgent medical treatment in health facilities across the country.
The boat reportedly capsized in the North Bank Region of northwest Gambia, near the coastal village of Jinack, sparking a large-scale search and rescue operation involving national emergency services, local fishermen, and volunteers.
Emergency response activated
President Barrow said the government immediately activated its national emergency response plan after receiving reports of the incident.
“The national emergency response plan has been activated, and the government has deployed adequate resources to intensify search efforts and provide assistance to the survivors,” the president stated during the broadcast.
According to him, rescue teams have been working around the clock since the incident occurred on Wednesday, battling difficult sea conditions in an effort to locate missing passengers. Local fishermen, familiar with the waters, joined security agencies and disaster response teams in the search, highlighting the scale of community involvement in the rescue mission.
Despite these efforts, authorities fear the number of casualties could rise as many passengers remain unaccounted for days after the boat capsized.
Cause of the tragedy still unclear
Officials have not yet established the exact cause of the accident. However, the Gambian Ministry of Defence disclosed that preliminary information suggests the vessel was found “grounded on a sandbank,” raising questions about navigation, overloading, and sea conditions at the time of the journey.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the boat was seaworthy, whether it exceeded its passenger capacity, and whether weather conditions played a role in the disaster. President Barrow assured the nation that a full investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As he condoled with the families of victims, the president described the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with irregular migration.
“This accident is a painful reminder of the dangerous and life-threatening nature of irregular migration,” Barrow said.
Renewed commitment to tackle irregular migration
President Barrow reiterated his government’s commitment to intensifying efforts aimed at preventing irregular migration, particularly among young people who often risk their lives in search of better economic opportunities abroad.
“The government will strengthen efforts to prevent irregular migration and remains determined to create safer and more dignified opportunities for young people to fulfil their dreams,” he added.
Irregular migration remains a major challenge for Gambia and several other West African countries, where high unemployment, economic hardship, and limited opportunities continue to push young people toward dangerous migration routes.
One of the world’s deadliest migration routes
The Atlantic migration route, which runs along the West African coastline through Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania toward , is considered one of the world’s deadliest pathways for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Thousands of Africans desperate for improved living conditions attempt the perilous sea journey each year, often aboard overcrowded and poorly equipped boats. Many of these vessels are unfit for long-distance travel across the Atlantic, increasing the risk of capsizing, engine failure, or drifting off course.
Migrants who embark on this route typically hope to reach via the Canary Islands. However, many never complete the journey due to harsh ocean conditions, limited navigation tools, and exhaustion.
Rising death toll at sea
Humanitarian groups and international agencies have repeatedly raised concerns about the rising death toll along the Atlantic route. According to available data, more than 3,000 people died in 2025 alone while attempting to reach Spain by sea, making it one of the deadliest years on record for maritime migration in the region.
Advocates warn that the true number of deaths could be even higher, as many boats disappear without trace, leaving families without closure and authorities without accurate records.
The latest tragedy off the Gambian coast adds to a growing list of migration-related disasters that continue to claim lives despite repeated warnings from governments and international organisations.
Calls for regional and international action
Analysts say the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation and international support to address the root causes of irregular migration. While enforcement and border controls remain part of the response, experts argue that long-term solutions must focus on job creation, education, and economic empowerment within countries of origin.
For families affected by the latest disaster, the focus remains on search and rescue efforts and the hope that more survivors may yet be found. Community leaders in Jinack and surrounding areas have called for sustained support for victims’ families and improved safety measures along the coast.
As Gambia mourns yet another migration tragedy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of irregular migration and the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent further loss of life.
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