Reuters AlertNet Lite - Fishing boat capsizes in Gambia, killing 32

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Fishing boat capsizes in Gambia, killing 32

16 Oct 2007 16:32:31 GMT
Source: Reuters

TANJI, Gambia, Oct 16 (Reuters) - A boat carrying Senegalese fishermen back home from Gambia to celebrate the end of Ramadan capsized at the weekend in strong winds, killing 32 of those on board, rescuers said on Tuesday.

The boat left the Gambian fishing village of Tandji on Saturday destined for southern Senegal, where its 50 passengers were due to celebrate with their families the Eid holiday which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month.

"On their way they met a bad wind which capsized the boat," said Mamadi Sarr, a Tandji fisherman who found the body of his brother in the water after setting off in his own boat to try to rescue survivors.

Local residents in the village of mud huts and mangroves said at least six bodies had washed up on the shore.

Such accidents, sometimes involving overcrowded boats, are common in the strong currents and heavy seas off West Africa's Atlantic Coast. Thousands of migrants have been killed illegally trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands from the region.

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Last updated:Tue Oct 16 16:31:51 2007