Sources reaching this paper have disclosed that over 30 Senegalese citizens drowned at sea after setting sail from the Kombo South fishing village Tanji, as they attempted to travel to their homes to pass the just ended Eid-al-Fitr festivities.

According to the village Alkalo, Mr. Burama Bojang, the men met their untimely death as they sailed to join their respective families for the Koriteh feast. Alkalo Bojang said that at least 18 people were rescued through the help of some fishermen who went to their rescue.

One of the rescuers, Mr. Mamadi Sarr, revealed that the total number of men was 50 and that the boat the men were sailing in capsized just by the Senegalese border at Betenti.

He said that some of the dead bodies have since been taken to Senegal for burial, one of them being his elder brother.

Meanwhile the village Alkalo used the occasion to urge the fishermen to cultivate the habit of using lifejackets, noting that it has become a tradition for resident Senegalese to join their families during religious feasts.