At least 39 die after Europe-bound migrant boat sinks off Senegal

Saliou Diouf, founder of Senegalese migrant aid group Boza Fii, told the AFP news agency that all the bodies recovered by Sunday evening were Senegalese. The nationalities of other people on board was yet to be established, as search operations continued.

Four bodies were recovered on Monday morning in an advanced state of decomposition and buried following a collective funeral prayer organised by the fire service.

Rescue teams are searching along a 25km (15-mile)- stretch of coastline, but operations have been complicated by difficult access and strong ocean currents, which are pushing bodies further south.

Authorities say 24 of the 39 victims have been identified and their bodies returned to their families, while 11 others are still awaiting identification.