DAKAR: At least 21 migrants drowned after their boat sank in the Atlantic Ocean following its departure from Senegal’s coast, authorities said. Only one person aboard is known to have survived.
The vessel was carrying people attempting to reach Europe by irregular routes in search of work and better prospects. Heavy seas and overcrowding are believed to have caused the boat to go down, though the exact cause has not been confirmed.
Local authorities and rescue teams began search operations as soon as news of the sinking emerged. Officials cautioned that the death toll could rise, as it remains unclear how many people were on board.
The Atlantic route from West Africa to Europe is regarded as one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the world, and is used regularly by migrants seeking to reach the continent.