Rescuers have recovered 12 bodies after a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of The Gambia, with an unknown number of people still missing, the Red Cross says.
The Gambia Red Cross Society says search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities try to establish the number of missing passengers.
“The number of missing remains unclear. Further information is expected as rescue operations continue,” the organisation said in a statement.
The boat departed from Jinack Kajata, a village on an Atlantic island that residents say has become a frequent departure point for migrants attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands.
The Atlantic crossing from West Africa is highly dangerous because of strong ocean currents and the use of overcrowded, poorly maintained boats.
The latest tragedy follows another deadly boat sinking off Jinack Kajata last year, which killed more than 40 people and left about 100 others missing.
Increased patrols off Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal have pushed some migrants to travel farther south in attempts to reach Europe, making the already dangerous journey longer.
The Canary Islands remain a major entry point into Europe for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict and persecution. Other popular routes pass through the Mediterranean towards Italy and Greece.
Arrivals in the Canary Islands exceeded 46,000 two years ago, but the numbers have since fallen sharply as Spain steps up efforts to curb irregular migration.
The latest sinking highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting the perilous Atlantic crossing in search of better opportunities in Europe.
