At least 24 people have lost their lives after two boats, mostly carrying Somali nationals, capsized off Madagascar’s coast, according to local authorities.
Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that efforts are ongoing to “ensure the safe return of the survivors.” A total of 70 passengers were aboard the two vessels.
The boats were found adrift off Madagascar’s northern coast on Saturday in the Indian Ocean, with engine failure suspected as the cause.
Local fishermen rescued the survivors, a senior Somalian government official informed the media.
The survivors revealed they were attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte, a dangerous route often taken by Somali migrants seeking asylum.
Driven by unemployment and poverty in the Horn of Africa, many young people embark on the perilous journey, hoping to reach Europe for a better future.
Authorities in Madagascar issued warnings about the “severe risks associated with illegal migration,” indicating that the victims were likely migrants.