By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Seven people have been confirmed dead following a tragic maritime incident involving a boat carrying irregular migrants that capsized near Jinack Village in The Gambia’s North Bank Region, authorities have confirmed.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, the boat, which was allegedly transporting more than 200 migrants, capsized around midnight on December 31, 2025, prompting an emergency rescue operation by the Gambia Navy and other security agencies.
Upon receiving a distress alert, the naval patrol vessel GNS JAMBARR, which was on routine Fisheries Protection patrol, was immediately recalled and redirected to the scene. The Gambia Navy subsequently launched a full-scale search, rescue, and recovery operation in coordination with relevant security and emergency response agencies. A naval rescue vessel was also dispatched from the Fisheries Jetty in Banjul at approximately 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
The distressed boat was later found grounded on a sandbank. The rescue operation involved three naval speedboats and a coastal patrol vessel, with additional support from a local fishing canoe whose operators volunteered to assist.
As of the time of the press release, 96 people have been rescued. Of this number, 39 survivors are receiving treatment at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), while 57 others are being cared for at the Naval Base. Authorities say 10 of the victims are in critical condition and are receiving urgent medical attention.
Regrettably, seven bodies have been recovered, while a number of passengers remain unaccounted for. Some of the rescued migrants have been identified as non-Gambians, and officials say efforts are ongoing to verify their nationalities.
In response to the incident, the government has activated the National Emergency Response Plan, intensifying search and recovery operations with all necessary national resources deployed.
The Government of The Gambia expressed deep concern over the tragedy and reassured the public of its commitment to combating irregular migration. It also extended its sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to all individuals affected by the incident.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
