Five years after the biggest disaster in marine history, the international community joined Senegal to observe the anniversary of this sad news. The Senegalese High Commissioner in The Gambia yesterday organised a Quranic Recitation ceremony at the Pipeline Mosque.

According to a press release issued by the High Commission, the praying ceremony was led by Imam Falou Diouf and attended by Senegalese diplomatic officials and expatriates.

It could be recalled that in the early hours of the sea disaster, the Gambian authorities played a prominent role in providing the necessary logistics for the rescue operations.

Musa Saine, acting Principal Supply Officer at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, pointed out the fact that traditional fishermen, Gambia Navy and health personnel were at the disaster scene. "Besides the rescue operations, we provided the first medical care", he said. Consequently, he, and other Gambians were conferred with the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite, one of the highest distinction in Senegal.