Gambie: au moins 7 morts, de nombreux disparus dans le naufrage d'un bateau de migrants
At least seven migrants drowned and an unknown number of others are missing off the coast of Gambia after their boat, which was believed to be carrying more than 200 people, sank overnight, the Gambian government announced on Thursday.
"The government has been informed of a tragic maritime accident involving a boat allegedly carrying more than 200 migrants, which reportedly capsized around midnight on the night of December 31 off Jinack, in the North Bank region," in northwestern Gambia, according to a statement from the Gambian Ministry of Defense sent to AFP.
Alerted by a distress call, the Gambian navy launched a search and rescue operation around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, in which several navy boats and a fishing boat came to lend a hand took part, the statement said.
The ship that had sunk was later found stranded on a sandbank.
"Ninety-six people have been rescued and are currently receiving medical care. Among them, ten are in serious condition," the ministry said.
"Unfortunately, seven bodies have been recovered, and a number of passengers are still missing," he added.
Among the victims, several have been identified as not being of Gambian nationality and the authorities are currently verifying their identity, the statement added.
Thousands of people from West Africa have been attempting clandestine migration for years from the coasts of their countries, taking the perilous Atlantic route to reach Europe, mainly via the Spanish Canary Islands, aboard overcrowded and often dilapidated boats.
In search of a better future and at the risk of their lives, these African exiles are forced to take the clandestine route, as Europe has drastically restricted the issuance of visas and is increasingly controlling its borders.
Thousands of people have died trying to reach Europe in this way in recent years.
The recent strengthening of maritime controls in Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco has led to a shift in departures of pirogues to the Canary Islands towards the south, particularly from the coasts of Gambia and Guinea-Conakry, further lengthening the time spent at sea and the dangers.
In its statement, the Gambian government offers "its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by this regrettable incident," and reiterates "its commitment" to combat illegal emigration.
Commentaires (3)
Ceux qui les organisent ne veulent apparemment même pas faire arriver les embarcations aux Iles Canaries. En plus ce n'est vraiment pas la période pour prendre ces pirogues. Il fait très froid, la mer est agitée er dangereuse. Pure folie !!
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