20/08/2026
π¨ URGENT RESCUE ALERT β MIGRANT BOAT STRANDED AT SEA π¨
I am urgently appealing to the Gambia Navy, maritime authorities, rescue services and all relevant security stakeholders to immediately locate and rescue a migrant boat that has reportedly been stranded at sea for six days.
Yesterday morning, I alerted the Gambia Navy and other relevant authorities about this situation and provided the information I had. Unfortunately, I have still not received any feedback or confirmation that the people on board have been rescued.
The boat reportedly departed from Gunjur, The Gambia, at around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, 14 August 2026.
According to people on board whom I have personally spoken with, the boat travelled more than 50 km from the Gambian coast before the captain stopped it at sea. They reportedly have not been able to continue their journey because of a lack of fuel.
I have spoken by phone with more than three people who are currently or were recently on the boat. They reported that around 20 people returned to shore yesterday evening after a smaller boat came to deliver water.
However, I was told that the captain is not allowing everyone to return. Those still on board are reportedly hungry, exhausted and suffering from the extreme heat, with very limited food and drinking water.
According to the information I have received, more than 200 people may be on board, including potentially vulnerable people. The boat reportedly has two engines but insufficient fuel, food and water.
There was also information that a third engine would be brought to the boat, but I have not been able to independently confirm whether this happened.
β οΈ I currently do not have the exact coordinates of the boat. However, I have contact numbers for several people who are or were on board and who may be able to provide additional information that could help authorities locate them.
I am deeply concerned that any further delay could result in a serious humanitarian disaster and the loss of lives.
π I urgently appeal to the Gambia Navy, maritime authorities, rescue services and all relevant stakeholders to treat this as an emergency, investigate the report immediately, locate the boat and bring everyone to safety.
This is not about politics or blame. More than 200 human lives may be at risk. They need help now.
Please share this alert widely so that it reaches the authorities, rescue services and anyone who may have information about the boatβs location.
Ebrima Migrants Situation