Gambian authorities have intercepted 782 migrants attempting to use the country as a launch point to Europe, the Interior Ministry announced Friday, just days after a capsized migrant boat off the coast claimed at least 31 lives.
Tens of thousands of West Africans, mostly young people, have in recent years tried to reach Europe—particularly the Spanish Canary Islands—aboard overcrowded and often unsafe vessels.
Siman Lowe, spokesman for the Gambia Immigration Department, told AFP that three separate operations, beginning January 3, led to the interception of 782 migrants across various locations in the country. The operations were launched following the tragic capsizing of an overloaded boat on New Year’s Eve.
“The Gambia has observed with deep concern the rapid rise in the number of people attempting to travel to Europe by sea using our territory as a launch path,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement. “This prompted the activation of special operation teams to decisively respond.”
Among those intercepted were 233 Senegalese, 197 Gambians, 176 Guineans, and 148 Malians.
Maritime departures from The Gambia have increased recently as stricter patrols by Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco have pushed migrant boats further south in West Africa.
The tragic New Year’s Eve capsizing occurred near the country’s North Bank region. Other recent incidents highlight the dangers: a vessel carrying more than 200 people that departed Jinack village on December 5 remains missing, while another boat with over 190 migrants that left Jinack on November 17 has been confirmed sunk after weeks of unsuccessful searches, according to the Ebrima Migrant Situation Foundation.
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