At a Glance
- A boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off Gambia, leaving 102 survivors and 7 bodies recovered.
- The tragedy occurred on New Year’s Eve near Jinack in the North Bank region.
- President Adama Barrow declared an emergency response and pledged a full investigation.
- Why it matters: The incident underscores the perilous journey many migrants face across the Atlantic and the urgent need for safer migration policies.
BANJUL, Gambia (Morgan J. Carter) –
A tragic boat capsized off the coast of Gambia late Friday, after a vessel carrying over 200 migrants from the North Bank region went down on New Year’s Eve. At least 102 people were rescued, while 7 bodies were recovered. The incident prompted a frantic search and rescue operation involving emergency services, local fishermen, and volunteers.
Incident Details
The vessel was found grounded on a sandbank near the village of Jinack. The capsizing happened in the early hours of January 1, 2025, when many migrants were attempting to reach Spain via the Canary Islands. The emergency response plan was activated immediately.
Broader Context
- August 2025: Roughly 150 people died or went missing after a Gambia-origin boat capsized off Mauritania.
- July 2024: A similar incident near the same route killed more than a dozen migrants, with 150 others declared missing.
| Incident | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve capsizing | Jan 1, 2025 | 102 survivors, 7 bodies |
| Mauritania capsizing | Aug 2025 | ~150 dead/missing |
| July 2024 capsizing | Jul 2024 | >12 dead, 150 missing |
These events highlight one of the world’s deadliest migrant routes along the Atlantic coast of West Africa.
Government Response
President Adama Barrow stated:
> “The national emergency response plan has been activated and the government has deployed adequate resources to intensify efforts and provide assistance to the survivors.”
He added:
> “Some of the 102 survivors were undergoing urgent medical care, the Gambian leader said.”
President Barrow continued:
> “As he condoled with families, Barrow vowed a full investigation and called the accident a “painful reminder of the dangerous and life-threatening nature of irregular migration.””
He concluded:
> “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.”
The government is intensifying efforts to prevent irregular migration and is committed to providing aid to survivors.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 migrants were on the capsized boat, with 102 rescued and 7 bodies recovered.
- The incident is part of a series of deadly capsizes along the West African Atlantic route.
- President Barrow has activated emergency measures and pledged a full investigation.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants and the importance of coordinated rescue and prevention efforts.
