Bakau has been hit by another tragedy as dozen of young people loss their lives at sea while trying to reach Europe in search of a better life.

At least 12 young men and women – all from the coastal town of Bakau- died on Wednesday after their boat capsized.

This latest tragedy followed last year’s incident that left more than sixty young people from the community dead – as they fled poverty and economic hardship.

Minteh Jadama is grieving the death of her only son, Omar Marong, who was the breadwinner of their family.    

“We are saddened about this tragic loss of lives. I raised all my children here in Bakau while renting. And because of poverty, this child of mine took on this journey.

“He was a fisherman and it’s through fishing that he used to feed the family. I advised him against embarking on this journey but he insisted,” she said.

The deceased Omar left behind a wife and nine children – many of whom are young kids. 

“My husband passed away twenty years ago and left me and these two. When is sleeping time, three people join a room.

“I can’t sleep since this happened because whenever I think of these kids he left behind with me, my heart bleeds, because he was my only son who was breadwinning for the family,” she  added.

Tijan Touray, a resident of Bakau expressed sadness about the loss of lives, saying the backway journey has dwindled the population of the community. 

“I can say 25% of my friends have all died in this journey. And close to hundred others who used be with us on the beach here have all travelled to Europe,” he said.

He believed that establishment of more companies and industries can address the mass exodus of young Gambians.

“It’s not easy and there are no jobs for the youth that’s why people are risking their lives,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba