At least eight Gambians are among survivors of the migrant boat that caught fire off the coast of Senegal last week. 

However two other Gambian migrants died in the tragedy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad has said. 

The boat carrying migrants caught fire and sank off the coast of Casamance, in southern Senegal, on its way to Europe.

“Latest information from our High Commission in Dakar indicates that the pirogue caught fire, causing the death of several people. 

Ninety-two survivors were rescued, including eight Gambians, eight Guineans, four Nigerians, three Bissau-Guineans and 69 Senegalese,” the ministry said.

“The deceased include 10 Bissau-Guineans, two Gambians, with the remaining being Senegalese.

“The Government of The Gambia through its diplomatic Mission in Dakar, confirms that the search for the identities of the missing migrants is still ongoing and the mission is in touch with the Senegalese authorities. 

“The Ministry prays for God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness on the souls of the departed and further prays that God grants the families the fortitude to bear the loss,” it added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba