5 Die In Migrant Boat ‘Fight’

Five bodies, two women and three men, were found on Tanji beach yesterday with gruesome wounds to their bodies following a reported fight that broke out in a migrant boat attempting to journey to Spain. 

The wooden boat is said to have departed from Tanji beach Wednesday night with an unknown number of migrants who were attempting to reach a larger vessel located further in the waters. Communication problems reportedly occurred between the smaller boat and the seafaring larger one.

Migration activist, Ebrima Drammeh, who was at the Tanji beach when the bodies were recovered, said, injuries were visible all over the bodies of the two recovered migrants. He said there was “a strong belief” that they sustained the injuries in a fight. 

According to Drammeh, the three bodies were recovered in the night while the two bodies were found in the morning. He said one of the deceased was identified as a native of Kunkujang and a driver by profession.

Drammeh explained that the fight was likely triggered by overloading leading to confrontation between the boat captain and some migrants or that some of them attempted to force their way into the boat without paying for the passage.

He said the number of persons rescued and missing remained unclear adding that both the small and larger vessels have not been located.  Drammeh said the boats were captained by Senegalese nationals.

He called on the relevant authorities and rescue services to provide transparent and accurate information, intensify efforts to establish the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for, and ensure that affected families receive the necessary support.

Ansumana Cham, acting spokesperson of the Gambia Immigration Department confirmed that his officers were at Tanji beach after receiving information about the recovery of two dead bodies. He said the bodies were recovered and the police and other relevant institutions are taking the lead in the investigations.

The police communications department said it is yet to receive updates on the matter.