Madagascar authorities announced on Monday November 25 that they had rescued 48 Somali nationals from two boats found adrift off the island’s coast, following the tragic death of at least 22 people from the same group at sea. The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea journeys in search of better opportunities.
Fishermen discovered the survivors on Friday and brought them to Nosy Be, a northeastern island in Madagascar. According to a statement by the Madagascar Maritime and River Port Agency (APMF), seven people were found dead aboard one boat, while 15 others perished on the second vessel.
The two boats, initially carrying 70 passengers, had departed Somalia on November 2, bound for the Comoros archipelago and the French overseas department of Mayotte. Both vessels reportedly experienced engine failures, leaving them stranded at sea.
The survivors are now receiving medical attention and care under the supervision of health officials in Nosy Iranja and Daresalam Nosy Be. “The survivors are currently housed in a gymnasium under the surveillance of Malagasy law enforcement,” confirmed Jean-Edmond Randrianantenaina, Director General of the APMF. He added that Somali authorities are expected to organize the repatriation of their nationals soon.
While APMF stated that 25 individuals had died in the incident, other reports maintain a figure of 22 fatalities.
The tragedy underscores the risks associated with human trafficking and unauthorized migration in the region. Mayotte, the poorest French department, faces significant challenges from high levels of illegal immigration, particularly from the Comoros and mainland Africa. Earlier this month, another devastating incident occurred when at least 25 migrants, including women and children, drowned after traffickers intentionally sank their boat off the Comoros.
These incidents continue to highlight the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of migration, improve search-and-rescue operations, and combat human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable populations.