At least 21 people have lost their lives after a boat carrying migrants has sunk on the coast of Senegal, the country’s Interior Ministry announced on Sunday.

According to the authorities’ announcement, 21 lifeless bodies have been found until Saturday evening, while only one person has managed to escape.

The accident has occurred in the vicinity of Kebemer, a town located some 80 miles [180 km] north of the capital city of Dakar.

Research-saving operations are under way, while authorities are looking for more possible survivors. So far it has not been known how many people were on board the boat.

According to the Interior Ministry, the boat transported persons who were intent on migration in an irregular way.

Thousands have lost their lives in recent years in an effort to reach the Canary Islands of Spain, starting from West Africa.

According to the Organisation for Migrant Rights, Walking Borders, during the first five months of this year, 635 people have died trying to cross this sea route.

Source Layer: Dukeagini