World · Sri Lanka Bureau
At least 21 dead as migrant boat capsizes off Senegal coast
A vessel carrying migrants and refugees has sunk off northwestern Senegal, claiming at least 21 lives. Authorities recovered multiple bodies while one person was rescued from the incident.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
A small boat carrying migrants and refugees sank off the coast of northwestern Senegal on Saturday, resulting in at least 21 deaths, according to the Senegalese Interior Ministry.
In a statement issued Sunday, the ministry confirmed that rescue teams recovered 21 bodies from the vessel. One survivor was pulled from the water, bringing the total number of people accounted for to 22. The ministry noted that the death toll remained provisional as of late Saturday evening, with ongoing search and recovery operations.
The incident underscores the continuing dangers faced by migrants and refugees attempting maritime crossings from West Africa. The waters off Senegal have been the site of numerous maritime accidents involving vessels overcrowded with people seeking passage to Europe or other destinations.
Details regarding the number of people aboard the vessel at the time of the sinking and the cause of the incident remain unclear. Senegalese authorities did not provide additional information about the passengers or their origins.