Press Release

UPDATE ON REPORTED MIGRANT BOAT INCIDENT IN SENEGALESE WATERS NEAR JINACK -THE GAMBIA
Banjul, The Gambia – 2 January 2026
The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA), on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, provides an update on the maritime incident involving a vessel reportedly transporting irregular migrants, which capsized around midnight on 31 December 2025 in Senegalese waters.
Following reports of the accident, the Gambia Navy quickly conducted a coordinated search and rescue operations alongside Senegalese authorities. 
As of Thursday 1 January 2026 (5:25 p.m.)  the following verified information has been recorded:
Estimated Number of People That Boarded the Boat
A total of between 225 to 230 people were said to board the boat on the night of 31 December 2025 before it departed. The boat left from Jinack in The Gambia on the night of 31 December 2025. 
Incident Reported To Gambia Navy
An incident was reported to The Gambia Navy at around midnight on 1 January 2026 which culminated in an immediate mobilization of Naval and other available resources in the vicinity. These included Navy Boats and local fishing boats in the area. 
Search and Rescue Outcomes
Interventions by The Gambia Navy
•    One hundred and two (102) persons rescued
•    Four (4) confirmed deaths
•    Thirty-nine (39) survivors were initially hospitalized and received medical attention at the EFSTH
•    All the rescued and discharged patients have been taken to Tanji Immigration Post for processing and temporal accommodation
Interventions by Senegalese Authorities
•    Sixteen (16) persons rescued alive
•    Six (6) bodies recovered
•    All rescued and recovered bodies by Senegalese authorities are currently in Senegal
Field Assessment and Engagement
In line with its mandate, the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) conducted a visit to the affected village on Thursday prior to the incident to investigate reports of a missing boat. The team conducted field assessments, engaged community stakeholders, and migrants on the ground. 

During the site visit to Jinack, GMA along with Gambia Navy officers apprehended 17 migrants who were all handed over to the Barra Immigration Post.
Additionally, GMA has dispatched a team to Senegal to also investigate an alleged missing boat earlier reported. The team has met with the competent Senegalese authorities who have been cooperating in the investigation. They have since returned to The Gambia. The team has so far confirmed the following:
Incident Details: 

The tragedy occurred on December 24, 2025, between 04:00 and 05:00AM. 
•    The vessel capsized approximately 150 meters offshore.
•    Vessel Identification: The boat involved in the Joal incident was a Senegalese vessel named Sherif Aidara. 
•    Actual Departure Point: Contrary to reports, the Sherif Aidara departed from Diamniadio Island in the Foundiougne District, Senegal, on December 22, 2025, at approximately 04:00 AM.

Casualties and Survivors:
•    Twelve (12) bodies were recovered.
•    Two (2) Gambian nationals were confirmed among the dead: Mr. Alagie Momodou Mbaye and Mr. Alagie Cham. Their families have since travelled to Joal, to identify the remains.
•     Five (5) Gambian survivors (3 males, 2 females) successfully swam to the shore and were later interviewed and released by Senegalese authorities.
•     The survivors comprise of Senegalese, Gambians and Guinea nationals but the total number cannot be confirmed as the investigation is still ongoing.

This report serves as an official account of the two incidents based on information available as of 1st January 2026. Updates will be issued as further details become available through ongoing search, recovery, and investigation efforts.
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