A total of 111 would-be migrants, including 53 females and 12 minors, have been rescued after their boat became stranded in muddy waters at Aljamdu Village, the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has announced.

The group, rescued, comprised nationals from seven countries, with Guineans making up the largest number.

According to the GID, the rescued individuals included 75 Guineans, 15 Senegalese, 10 Ivorians, five Sierra Leoneans, four Gambians, one Malian and one Ghanaian.

The group consisted of 58 males and 53 females, including 12 minors, highlighting the number of women and children involved in the incident.

The rescue operation was conducted by the GID’s Barra Migration Management and Border Patrol units, working alongside the State Intelligence Services, Gambia Fire and Rescue Services and members of the Aljamdu community.

The department said the rescued individuals are currently at the Barra Migration Office, where they are undergoing profiling and further investigation.

The circumstances that led to the boat becoming stranded, as well as the group’s intended destination, were not disclosed in the statement.

The GID acknowledged the support of local communities, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other national and international partners in efforts to address irregular migration.

The incident highlights the risks associated with irregular migration journeys and the importance of coordinated responses when boats carrying would-be migrants encounter difficulties.

The department said cooperation among security agencies, community members and other stakeholders remains essential to strengthening migration management and responding to such incidents.

By Adama Makasuba