Migrant boat sinks off coast of Gambia, at least 12 dead

Rescuers have recovered 12 bodies after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Gambia, with an unknown number of people still missing, according to the Red Cross. The vessel departed from Jinack Kajata, a village on an Atlantic island that has become a common departure point for migrants seeking to reach Spain's Canary Islands. The hazardous journey across the ocean is made more perilous by strong currents and often overcrowded, poorly maintained vessels.

The exact number of people still missing remains unknown, but further details are expected as rescue efforts continue. This incident follows another deadly sinking off Jinack Kajata in December 2025, which claimed over 40 lives and left around 100 people unaccounted for. Tighter patrols have been established off Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, compelling migrants to embark on longer and more perilous journeys to Europe.

The Canary Islands, along with Mediterranean routes to Italy and Greece, serve as one of the primary entry points for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict, and persecution. In 2024, arrivals to the Atlantic archipelago peaked at over 46,000, but have since declined as Spain intensifies efforts to curb migration.