Gambiaj.com (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambian government has confirmed a tragic maritime incident involving a boat reportedly carrying over 200 irregular migrants, which capsized around midnight on 31 December 2025 near Jinack Village in the North Bank Region.

Following a distress alert, the naval patrol vessel GNS JAMBARR, originally on routine fisheries protection duty, was immediately recalled to respond to the emergency.

The Gambia Navy, in coordination with relevant security and emergency agencies, launched an intensive search, rescue, and recovery operation. A naval rescue vessel was also dispatched from the Fisheries Jetty in Banjul at approximately 1:00 a.m. on 1 January 2026.

Authorities reported that the distressed boat was grounded on a sandbank. The rescue operation involved three naval speedboats, a coastal patrol vessel, and support from a local fishing canoe, whose operators volunteered to assist.

As of the latest update, 96 individuals have been rescued. Among them, 39 are receiving treatment at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) and 57 at the naval base, with 10 patients in critical condition.

Tragically, seven bodies have been recovered, and a number of passengers remain unaccounted for. Some victims have been identified as non-Gambians, with authorities working to verify their nationalities.

The National Emergency Response Plan has been activated, and search and recovery operations have been intensified with all available resources deployed. The Ministry of Defence expressed deep concern over the incident and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deterring irregular migration.

“The Government of The Gambia extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by this unfortunate incident,” the ministry said in a statement.

Authorities have pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available.