President Adama Barrow has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic maritime accident off Jinack Village in the North Bank Region, describing it as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with irregular migration.
In a broadcast to the nation, the President said the incident occurred around midnight on 31 December 2025, when a boat reportedly carrying an unspecified number of irregular migrants capsized at sea.
So far, 102 people have been rescued, with several survivors receiving urgent medical care. Seven bodies have been recovered, while search and rescue operations remain ongoing to locate those still missing.
President Barrow confirmed that the National Emergency Response Plan has been activated, with the government deploying resources to support rescue efforts and provide immediate assistance to survivors. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured relatives awaiting information that the government and the nation stand with them during this difficult period.
The President commended the Gambia Navy, emergency response agencies, security services, health workers at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and community volunteers, including local fishermen, for their swift and professional response.
Irregular migration remains a major concern in The Gambia, with many young people continuing to risk their lives on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. Over the years, scores of Gambian youths have died at sea or along desert routes, leaving families and communities devastated.
In recent months, authorities have recorded a rise in attempted departures, prompting intensified surveillance and enforcement. The Gambia Immigration Department, working with other security agencies, has made several interceptions of suspected irregular migrants at coastal and border points, preventing boats from setting off and, in some cases, saving lives.
The Jinack tragedy comes amid this worrying trend. Only days earlier, security forces, including the Gambian Army, intercepted another boat in the Jinack area carrying suspected irregular migrants before it could venture further into the Atlantic, averting a potential disaster.
President Barrow described the incident as a stark warning, stressing that no journey or promise is worth the loss of life at sea. He reiterated his government’s commitment to curbing irregular migration while intensifying efforts to expand development, employment, and livelihood opportunities for young people at home.
He urged the public to remain calm and supportive as rescue operations continue, noting that verified details on the victims will be released when available. The government, he added, will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, and anyone found responsible will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Press Play to watch full Presidential Speech here:
PC: State House of The Gambia
