By Staff Writer T. Jammeh

Several Gambian youths on Friday drowned, while trying to find their way into Europe, the Freedom Newspaper has been reliably informed. The incident occurred between Denton Bridge and Mile 2. The economic Immigrant youths were seen at ''Wharfi Njaggo'' in Banjul prior to leaving the City.

According to a survivor Lamin Fatty, he comes from Badibou Salikenyi. He said his brother Musa Fatty had called him to come and travel to Europe with 25, 000 Dalasis. He said he arrived on Thursday and they set out on Friday after paying to their captains. "But my brother Musa has died in the sea." Lamin said.

Lamin Fatty the survivor as at that time of rescue, said their water had already finished and one of them wanted to drink. He took the gallon of petrol and opened it. He realized that it was not for drinking he placed it back. But one he lost his flip flops and searching for them he could not see and he took a cigarette lighter and lit it and the petrol burst into flames. The passengers were panic stricken thus jumping into the sea. The fire he said consummated the boat and there was no way but to jump into the water, from the fire to the deadly water. Fatty said they were about 50 to 60 strong men and most of them were not educated.

Daffeh, a Navy officer said he mounted search with his men, but only four bodies were seen. The rescue team are still searching for bodies. There is little hope. Many believe that the drowned youths might not make it.

Before going to press, some other four bodies were discovered bringing the dead toll to eight bodies and another near-death survivor was picked and he is in the intensive care unit at the RVTH in Banjul. Meanwhile, the search continues.

The two survivors will help police with their investigation.