The Gambian Navy has intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 100 suspected irregular migrants, including two minors, attempting to reach Mauritania.

The vessel, which departed from Bunyadu on May 12, got lost and drifted back into Gambian waters before being escorted to the Naval Base in Banjul.

Upon arrival, the 97 men and 17 women aboard were visibly exhausted and received medical attention from military health staff.

Authorities have handed the migrants over to the Gambia Immigration Department for further processing.