Residents of Gunjur, a coastal town in The Gambia, have gathered to mark the first anniversary of a mysterious disappearance.

About 200 people, mostly young men, are believed to have taken a boat to begin a journey to Spain in search of a better life but their fate remains unknown.

At least 40 of them were from Gunjur and their families say they were unaware that they were embarking on the journey.

Many believe the boat capsized. But others say the vessel took a detour and their relatives are alive and likely being held captive since no bodies have ever been retrieved from the sea.

A lot of money has been raised to help with the search operations, but where to start the search has been a matter of debate.

The journey, often referred to as "the backway", usually takes a maximum of one week to reach Europe.

Local authorities however say they are doing all it takes to dissuade people from making the dangerous voyage.