According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than sixty people have died after a migrant boat from Senegal sunk off the Cape Verde Islands.

Speaking to AFP, IOM spokeswoman Safa Msehli says 38 survivors include four children aged 12 to 16.

According to officials, a pirogue—a long, wooden fishing boat—was sighted in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday around 150 nautical miles (277 kilometres) off the Cape Verdean island of Sal.

It was seen by a Spanish fishing boat, which informed Cape Verdean authorities.

About 600 kilometres (350 miles) off the coast, on the sea road leading to the Spanish Canary Islands, which serve as a gateway to the European Union, is where you'll find the archipelago of Cape Verde.

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Msehli reported to AFP that seven people's remains were found by emergency personnel, while another 56 individuals are thought to be missing.

"Generally, when people are reported missing following a shipwreck, they are presumed dead," she said.

The boat left the Senegalese fishing village of Fasse Boye on July 10 with 101 people on board, Senegal's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, citing survivors.