Seven individuals suspected of orchestrating the illegal transportation of migrants to Europe are set to face severe legal consequences after a wooden migrant boat carrying 91 people was intercepted by the Gambian navy.

The latest interception occurred near the village of Faraba, where the Gambian navy conducted a daring night patrol. 

The wooden vessel, which had departed from Senegal, was carrying migrants from several West African countries. Upon boarding the boat, authorities found the passengers in dire conditions, suffering from dehydration and malnutrition after spending 20 days at sea with limited food and water.

The migrants on board included nationals from Senegal, Guinea, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Mali. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are currently working to determine the fate of the survivors.

Speaking at a news conference, Inspector Siman Lowe, spokesperson for the Gambia Immigration Department, confirmed that seven people had been identified as perpetrators in the smuggling operation.

“These include boat agents and the captain of the vessel,” Lowe said. “We are committed to prosecuting these individuals for their involvement in this illegal migration route.”

The Gambia, a country with a population of 2.5 million, has seen a significant increase in its citizens attempting to leave for Europe, largely due to the high cost of living. In response to this growing issue, the Gambian government has ramped up efforts to combat human smuggling, bolstered by security forces who are intensifying surveillance both on land and at sea to deter smugglers who risk the lives of young Africans.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba