- The boats were discovered veering in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, with reports indicating engine failure as the cause of the tragedy.
No fewer than 24 people have lost their lives after two boats capsized in Madagascar, local authorities have said on Sunday.
The boats carrying about 70 persons, mostly Somali nationals, capsized off Madagascar’s northern coast on Saturday.
According to the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, efforts had begun to ensure the safe return of survivors.
The boats were discovered veering in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, with reports indicating engine failure as the cause of the tragedy.
Survivors said they were rescued by local fishermen, though many did not survive the treacherous and 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 harsh and dreadful 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”.