39 now confirmed dead in Gambia illegal migrant boat sinking, officials say

The migration route used by West Africans trying to reach Spain via the Canary Islands is one of the world's deadliest.

Survivors interviewed by Reuters after being released from hospital in Gambia this week said the boat had been heading for Europe.

Of the 39 dead, 24 were recovered in Gambian territory, while 15 were recovered in Senegalese territory, the defence official said.

Passengers on board included citizens of Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone, the official said.