By: Isatou Sarr
A suspected migrant boat Monday caught fire along Nuimi Bunyadu Coast leaving several people with burnt injuries Police sources disclosed yesterday.
In a statement issued out, The Gambia Police Force said the incident occurred on Monday, June 15 and involved a vessel believed to be carrying migrants. Several occupants reportedly suffered burnt injuries when the boat caught fire under circumstances that were yet to be established.
According to the statement, the injured victims were rescued and transported to Essau Hospital where they were receiving treatment.
The police disclosed that rescue operation was spearheaded by the Regional Commissioner of Police for the North Bank Region, Commissioner Mustapha Sowe, who coordinated the emergency response and oversaw efforts to ensure that the victims received timely medical attention.
Police further disclosed that the captain of the vessel remained unaccounted for following the incident.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Gambia Police Force says it remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring public safety and security as inquiries into the incident continue.