A Gambia Navy patrol boat was deployed to rescue stranded passengers onboard Kanilai ferry after it broke down while plying from Banjul to Barra.

The troubling situation left Gambians calling for action be taken against the ferry service for what they called “risking the lives of people”.

According to a statement from The Gambia army, the said the ferry was drifting off after encountering technical problems.

“The Gambia Armed Forces (Gambia Navy)  under the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen Mamat OA Cham acted swiftly and successfully rescued all passengers onboard Kanilai Ferry onboard,” The Gambia Armed Forces said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba