Panel to Investigate Tragic Boat Accident Established – Police

The Police say an investigative panel has been established to look into the Spain bound boat which had a tragic accident off the Mauritanian coast on Wednesday claiming the lives of at least 62 Gambians.

Following the accident last week, The Chronicle staff visited Barra on Monday where relatives have openly blamed the security forces including the police, navy and immigration for failing to intercept the boat that was carrying dozens of young people, including women.

Allegations are rife that some victims of the accident have in fact entrusted their belongings with the police and immigration posts in Barra, which potentially makes them complicit in the tragedy.

Both The Gambia Armed Forces and The Gambia Police Force were contacted regarding these allegations on Monday and Tuesday respectively and they promised to get more information and get back to The Chronicle.

“I cannot give you much information on that for now. I can inform you that a panel of investigation has been instituted to look into the circumstances of the case which involves your question. They have even started work today so I will get back to you anytime they make a conclusion,” Lamin Njie, the spokesperson for the Police told The Chronicle.