Tragic Shipwreck: 25 Somali Migrants Perish Off Madagascar Coast

At least 22 Somali migrants have died at sea after two boats were found adrift off the coast of Madagascar. The authorities in Madagascar announced on Monday, November 25, that they had assisted 48 Somali nationals who were stranded aboard the vessels.

Fishermen discovered the survivors on Friday, November 22, and transported them to Nosy Be, an island located in the northeast of Madagascar.

According to a statement from Madagascar’s Port, Maritime, and River Agency (APMF), at least seven individuals died on one boat and 15 on the other.

The two boats were initially carrying a total of 70 people before suffering engine failures and drifting off course.

The boats had departed from Somalia on November 2, heading towards the Comoros Islands and the French island of Mayotte.

Mayotte, the poorest department in France, faces significant challenges with illegal immigration from the Comoros and the African mainland.

Jean-Edmond Randrianantenaina, the director general of APMF, confirmed on November 25 that the survivors are currently being housed in a gymnasium in Nosy Be and are under the supervision of Malagasy law enforcement.

He stated that Somali authorities are expected to arrive to arrange the repatriation of their citizens.

Randrianantenaina reported that approximately 25 individuals may have died, although some sources still maintain the figure at 22.

Earlier this month, at least 25 people, including women and children, also lost their lives when their boat was deliberately sunk by traffickers near the Comoros.

Despite its vast natural resources, Madagascar, home to 28 million people, ranks among the poorest countries in the world.

Source: Defi Media