A migrant boat carrying hundreds of Gambians including women and children, has departed from Barra en route to the Canary Islands, marking the 29th such voyage this year.

This latest journey comes amid a growing wave of young Gambians fleeing economic hardship, driven largely by high youth unemployment. 

Local community leaders have expressed deep concern for the safety of the migrants, calling for increased awareness of the dangers they face during the perilous journey.

“We pray for their safe arrival. These families are risking everything for a chance at a better future, and we must stand in solidarity with them,” Ebrima Drammeh, Italy-based Gambian migrants rights activist said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba