DAKAR, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a migrant boat disaster off Lompoul in Senegal's northern Louga Region has risen to 39, with only one survivor found so far, according to the latest search update released Monday.
Rescuers have spent three days searching a roughly 25-km stretch of coastline, where difficult access and sea currents carrying bodies southward have hampered operations.
Of the 39 bodies recovered, 24 have been identified and returned to their families, while 11 await identification. Four others, found Monday morning in an advanced state of decomposition, have been buried.
Senegalese Interior and Public Security Minister Mouhamadou Makhtar Cisse visited the affected area Monday to convey condolences from the president, prime minister and government to the bereaved families.
He pledged state support for the families and called for continued public awareness campaigns, closer cooperation with neighboring countries and stronger action against criminal networks organizing migrant smuggling.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed grief over the disaster in a social media post Sunday and offered condolences to the victims' families.
"All state authorities and resources have been mobilized to find the missing, care for survivors and support the families," Faye said.
He also pledged to continue efforts to combat those organizing the crossings and create opportunities for young people at home.
The wooden boat was carrying people attempting irregular migration, according to local media. The exact number of people on board and the cause of the disaster remain unknown.
