The terrible news that a boat carrying 180 passengers comprising Gambian and Senegalese identities left Berending in The Gambia only to become wrecked before reaching their destination is disheartening. So far it has been confirmed that 15 Gambians died while 43 survived. We are waiting to find out what has happened to the rest.
What is more heartbreaking is that women and children are involved. In fact, a man and his wife are among the dead while their 4 kids who were part of the journey survived.
As if this was not bad enough, it is further revealed that another boat carrying 140 passengers, which departed from Niumi Betendi, was intercepted by Mauritanian coast guards.
It is absolutely essential for the state and the media to get to the roots of this trade which is costing nothing less than 4.2 million dalasi per trip. Any parent asked will mention sums above 30000 dalasi to get their child transported on such trip. The economic drive for owners of boats and those who are responsible for mobilizing the young people ought to be carefully assessed so that exposures could be made of the danger of such trade that is recklessly subjecting many Gambian and Senegalese youths to untimely death. The time has come for action to save lives.
