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 Gambia Red Cross Society has said.
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.
In a statement on Thursday, the Red Cross said rescue operations were continuing, but the number of missing people remained unclear.
“The number of missing remains unclear. Further information is expected as rescue operations continue,” the organisation said.
Dangerous Atlantic Migration Route
The journey from West Africa to the Canary Islands is extremely dangerous, with migrants facing strong ocean currents and often travelling in poorly maintained, overcrowded boats.
The latest disaster follows another deadly sinking off Jinack Kajata in December 2025, which killed more than 40 people and left around 100 others missing.
Increased patrols off Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal have pushed some migrants further south in their attempts to reach Europe, making the already perilous Atlantic crossing even longer.
Canary Islands Remain Key Entry Point
The Canary Islands remain a major entry point into Europe for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict and persecution. Other major migration routes lead across the Mediterranean to Italy and Greece.
Arrivals in the Canary Islands peaked at more than 46,000 in 2024 but have fallen sharply amid Spain’s efforts to curb irregular migration.
Rescue operations are continuing, while the full scale of the latest tragedy remains unknown.
