At least twelve people died when their boat capsized on Wednesday off the coast of Senegal, in a new tragedy linked to clandestine migration toward Europe, according to security sources.
The vessel capsized at dawn on Wednesday off the coast of Joal (west), according to an initial security source speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Twelve lifeless bodies were recovered,” the source said, adding that the canoe is believed to have departed near the Saloum Delta. Formed by the branches of three rivers and listed as a World Heritage site, the delta includes countless channels, islands and islets, as well as mangroves that make access difficult except by boat.
The vessel was carrying around one hundred migrants attempting to reach Europe, according to the same sources.
“There were 32 survivors. The other candidates likely fled before rescue teams arrived,” one of the sources said, while another source reported “33 survivors.”
