At least 24 people have died after two boats carrying mostly Somali nationals capsized off Madagascar’s northern coast, local authorities confirmed.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 70 passengers were aboard the vessels, and efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of survivors.
The boats were discovered drifting in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, with reports indicating engine failure as the cause of the tragedy.
Survivors recounted being rescued by local fishermen, though many did not survive the perilous journey.
The passengers were reportedly attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte, a common destination for Somali migrants seeking asylum.
The route, however, is fraught with danger, with many boats poorly equipped to handle the ocean’s conditions.
A senior Somali official attributed the migration attempt to unemployment and poverty in the Horn of Africa, which often pushes young people to take life-threatening risks in pursuit of a better future in Europe or other safe havens.
Madagascan authorities expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated warnings about the “severe risks associated with illegal migration”.
24 dead after boats capsize off Madagascar coast