The Canary Islands are a major gateway into Europe for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict and persecution. (AFP pic)BANJUL: Rescuers have recovered 12 bodies after a boat transporting migrants sank off the coast of Gambia, with an unknown number still missing, the Red Cross said.

The boat had set sail from the village of Jinack Kajata, which sits on an Atlantic island that residents say has become a frequent departure point for migrants trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands.

The long journey from west Africa is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and the often ramshackle, overloaded vessels used.

"The number of missing remains unclear. Further information is expected as rescue operations continue," the Gambia Red Cross Society said Thursday in a statement.