Gambian authorities have intercepted more than 780 migrants attempting to use the country as a departure point to Europe, days after a migrant boat capsized off the coast, killing over 30 people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the surge in attempted sea crossings had prompted the activation of special operations teams to curb irregular migration by sea.

The operation, which began on 3 January, followed reports that at least 31 people died after an overloaded migrant boat capsized overnight on New Year’s Eve.

The Gambia Immigration Department said those intercepted included 233 Senegalese, 197 Gambians, 176 Guineans, and 148 Malians.

Irregular migration from West Africa to Europe—mainly via the Spanish Canary Islands—has intensified in recent years, with young people boarding overcrowded and often unsafe vessels.

With Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco tightening maritime patrols, authorities say migrant boats are increasingly departing from The Gambia and Guinea.

The ministry said it was “deeply concerned” by the growing number of people attempting the journey using The Gambia as a launch point.

Several recent incidents linked to departures from The Gambia have heightened concern. A boat that capsized between 31 December and 1 January was last heard from after a distress call near the North Bank Region.

Another vessel carrying more than 200 people, which left Jinack on 5 December, remains unaccounted for. A separate boat with over 190 migrants that departed Jinack on 17 November has been confirmed to have sunk after weeks of unsuccessful tracing.

Authorities have again urged young people to avoid the perilous backway route, warning that it continues to claim lives.