At least seven dead, dozens missing as migrant boat capsizes off The Gambia

A migrant boat capsized off the coast of The Gambia around midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2026, resulting in at least seven deaths and dozens missing. The boat, carrying over 200 people, was traveling along a popular West African migration route used by those attempting to reach Spain's Canary Islands and, ultimately, Europe. Gambian authorities, alerted by a distress call, launched a search-and-rescue operation, recovering 96 survivors and the grounded vessel. While some victims are confirmed to be non-Gambian, their identities are still being verified. The Gambia has become a common departure point for migrants seeking passage to Europe, despite overall irregular migration along the West African route decreasing in 2025 due to increased prevention efforts.