By Aminata Camara
The Gambia Immigration Department has intercepted a boat suspected of being prepared for an irregular migration journey to Europe in Badibou Gurong, North Bank Region.
The interception was carried out by the department’s Border Patrol Unit following intelligence received from Senegalese authorities about suspected migrant-smuggling activities in the area.
Acting on the information, immigration officers located and intercepted the boat while it was anchored at Bamba Tenda in Badibou Gurong.
The authorities recovered several supplies and items believed to have been prepared for the journey, including 10 barrels of fuel, two boat engines, 104 gallons of fuel, a petrol-powered water pump, nine ropes and 24 gallons of water.
Officers also recovered two bags of gari, a bag of sugar and a packet of biscuits, according to the Immigration Department.
“The intercepted boat, together with the recovered items, was subsequently transported to the relevant unit for onward processing and further investigation,” the department said in a statement.
The department did not disclose whether any arrests were made during the operation or the number of people who may have been expected to board the vessel.
The interception comes amid continued efforts by Gambian authorities to curb irregular migration along the country’s coastline and waterways, which are frequently used as departure points for migrants attempting the perilous journey to Europe, commonly referred to in The Gambia as the “backway”.
The Immigration Department said it remained committed to combating irregular migration and disrupting migrant-smuggling networks while promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.