President Adama Barrow has warned against the dangers of irregular migration after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Jinack village in The Gambia’s North Bank Region, killing at least seven people.

In a national address on Friday evening, the president said the incident occurred around midnight on 31 December 2025 and described it as a tragic reminder of the life-threatening risks associated with attempting to cross the Atlantic by sea.

He confirmed that 102 people have been rescued, with several survivors currently receiving urgent medical treatment, while seven bodies have been recovered so far.

Search and rescue operations are continuing for those still missing.

President Barrow said the government had activated the national emergency response plan and deployed additional resources to support rescue efforts and provide immediate assistance to survivors.

“On behalf of the government and the people of The Gambia, I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” he said.

He sought to reassure families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones that they were not alone, adding that the nation shared their grief.

The president praised the Gambian Navy, including Ghanaian personnel serving within it, for what he described as a swift and courageous response after receiving the distress alert.

He also commended emergency response agencies, security services, health workers and community volunteers, including local fishermen, for their role in the rescue operation.

Special tribute was paid to medical staff at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, who he said had worked tirelessly to treat the injured and preserve lives.

Addressing the wider issue of irregular migration, President Barrow said the Jinack tragedy underlined the severe dangers involved.

“No dream, journey or promise is worth a single loss of life at sea,” he said.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preventing irregular migration while pledging to expand job creation, development initiatives and livelihood opportunities for young people at home.

The president also announced that the government would launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident, warning that anyone found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Authorities, he added, would continue to release verified information on the identities and nationalities of the victims as it became available.

President Barrow ended his address with prayers for the deceased, the injured and their families, and for the safety of all those involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.

By Adama Makasuba