Migrant boat sank in Gambia: 12 people lost their lives

According to the Red Cross, at least 12 people lost their lives when a boat carrying immigrants sank off the coast of Gambia.

The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) said in a statement on Thursday that the incident occurred off the coast of Jinack Kajata in the country's Northern Bank region. It was reported that the migrants were heading towards Europe via the West African Atlantic Route.

"The number of missing persons remains uncertain and further updates are expected as response efforts continue," GRCS said in a statement, adding that it was "working closely with relevant authorities and response partners" as the situation evolves.

INCREASED CONTROLS IN OTHER COUNTRIES WERE DIRECTED HERE

According to Gambian media, the village of Jinack Kajata on Jinack Island has become an increasingly popular starting point for migrants wishing to head to Spain's Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) states that increased controls at traditional exit points in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal are pushing some migrants aiming to reach Europe towards more southern countries such as Gambia.