7 suspected smugglers to be prosecuted after migrant boat intercepted in The Gambia
Seven people suspected of orchestrating the unlawful transportation of migrants to Europe are set to face extreme authorized penalties after a wood migrant boat carrying 91 individuals was intercepted by the Gambian navy.
The newest interception occurred close to the village of Faraba, the place the Gambian navy performed a daring evening patrol.
The wood vessel, which had departed from Senegal, was carrying migrants from a number of West African international locations. Upon boarding the boat, authorities discovered the passengers in dire situations, affected by dehydration and malnutrition after spending 20 days at sea with restricted meals and water.
The migrants on board included nationals from Senegal, Guinea, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Mali. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are at the moment working to find out the destiny of the survivors.
Speaking at a information convention, Inspector Siman Lowe, spokesperson for the Gambia Immigration Department, confirmed that seven individuals had been recognized as perpetrators within the smuggling operation.
“These include boat agents and the captain of the vessel,” Lowe mentioned. “We are committed to prosecuting these individuals for their involvement in this illegal migration route.”
The Gambia, a rustic with a inhabitants of two.5 million, has seen a big enhance in its residents trying to depart for Europe, largely as a result of excessive value of dwelling. In response to this rising problem, the Gambian authorities has ramped up efforts to fight human smuggling, bolstered by safety forces who’re intensifying surveillance each on land and at sea to discourage smugglers who danger the lives of younger Africans.
Reporting by Adama Makasuba
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