A leading migrant rights activist’s probe into a deadly boat incident off the coast of Jinack Kajata has raised alarms over the scale of the tragedy, the fate of missing passengers, and the official response, with recovered bodies potentially numbering more than 15.
According to Ebrima Drammeh’s investigation, community members in Jinack Kajata discovered two bodies on 14 October 2026, followed by a third shortly afterward. The Red Cross later recovered two additional bodies the next day. Further reports indicated more remains near mangrove areas—some of which may have been disposed of before responders arrived—and three more bodies found at sea. If confirmed, the total recovered could surpass 15.
The accident is believed to have occurred on the night of 11 October 2026. Drammeh’s findings describe a large migrant vessel waiting offshore while a smaller boat ferried passengers from the shore in multiple trips. The smaller boat had completed three transfers before the fourth ended in disaster. Four survivors later received psychological support at Jinack Hospital. They could not give an exact headcount but stated that many people might still be missing at sea.
Recovered bodies were in advanced stages of decomposition, with marine animals having damaged faces and other areas, severely complicating identification. No women were reported among those described, though one child was identified. Photographs of clothing may offer the best chance for families to recognize missing relatives.
Drammeh’s investigation also points to Spain as the likely intended destination of the larger boat. Information gathered suggests as many as four separate migrant departures left Jinack Kajata for Spain this month. The activist has expressed concern about the authorities’ response, noting that only one immigration officer appeared on the ground. Key questions remain about body examinations, victim identification, evidence documentation, and whether standard emergency and investigative procedures were followed.
Drammeh has appealed to anyone with missing relatives or knowledge of the departures to come forward and cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that identification must be handled respectfully through proper channels. He stated that the investigation continues to establish what happened, who organized the journey, and to provide answers to affected families.
“Every missing person deserves to be accounted for, every victim deserves dignity, and every family deserves answers,” Drammeh wrote. The precise circumstances and full death toll remain unconfirmed pending official inquiry.
