Investigation into a boat carrying 248 migrants, intercepted on 20th August by the Senegalese Navy, has revealed a tragedy that occurred during the crossing.
Two Guinean migrants are believed to have died at sea. The National Directorate for the Fight Against Trafficking identified 13 suspected crew members and a recruiter, all of whom have been arrested. Two other individuals, described as organisers, are being sought.
According to Libération newspaper, the investigation conducted by the directorate has established that two people died during the crossing.
The pirogue, which departed from The Gambia with the goal of reaching the Canary Islands in Spain, was intercepted on 20th August, at approximately 9pm by the French Navy.
The following day, 21st August, the 248 migrants were handed over to the DNLT. The group included nationals from The Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
According to the investigators, the bodies of the two Guinean migrants who died in the boat were thrown into the sea during the night.
The investigation also led to the identification of the 13 crew members, as well one Khadim Badiane, described as a recruiter for the expedition.
Pape Amadoune Guèye, alias “Ridial,” is said to be the pirogue’s captain. According to the evidence gathered, he allegedly recruited Badiane to organise the voyage.
The arrested individuals reportedly admitted to some of the charges against them, according to the newspaper.
They are expected to be charged with criminal conspiracy, attempted migrant smuggling by sea, endangering the lives of others, and complicity.
Two men identified as Pape Lô and “E-Dollars,” residing in Mbour and The Gambia respectively, according to the newspaper, are also alleged to be co-organisers of the voyage. They were actively being sought by the DNLT at the time of publication.
Dakaractu