BANJUL, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and 96 others rescued after a boat allegedly carrying more than 200 irregular migrants capsized around midnight on Wednesday off the coast of The Gambia's North Bank Region, authorities said Thursday.
According to a press release from the Gambian Ministry of Defense, the vessel overturned near Jinack Village. Upon receiving a distress alert, the Gambian Navy launched a search, rescue, and recovery operation in coordination with national security and emergency agencies.
As of the latest update, 96 people had been rescued, with 39 taken to the hospital and 57 receiving medical care at a naval base. Seven bodies were recovered, while a number of passengers remain missing. Some of the victims were identified as non-Gambians, the ministry said.
The government has activated its National Emergency Response Plan, with search and recovery operations ongoing and being intensified, it added. ■