At least 22 Somalis die after boat capsizes off Madagascar

(CLO) Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis said at least 22 Somali citizens died when two boats carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Madagascar over the weekend.

The Madagascar Ports, Maritime and Rivers Authority (APMF) said the boats set off from Somalia for the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on November 2, a journey of several hundred kilometers.

On November 23, the port authority reported that local fishermen had discovered the first boat drifting on November 22 near Nosy Iranja. They rescued 25 people, including 10 men and 15 women, but seven people on board died.

A second boat carrying 38 people has arrived at Madagascar’s Port du Cratère, according to APMF. The maritime agency did not disclose the number of deaths on the second boat but confirmed that 23 people had been rescued.

Somali Information Minister Aweis, citing information from his counterparts in Madagascar, confirmed the total death toll at 22. "There were about 70 Somalis, 22 of whom died. One boat was carrying 38 people and the other boat was carrying 32 people," Mr. Aweis said on state television late on November 24.

At least 22 Somali migrants were found carrying stolen goods when they crossed the sea to the French territory. — Illustration photo: AFP

In recent decades, thousands have tried to cross the sea to Mayotte, where the standard of living is higher and there is access to France's welfare system.

Mayotte is officially part of France, although the Comoros claim sovereignty over the island.

Mr Aweis said Somalia would investigate the origins of the boats and treat the trip organizers as criminals linked to illegal immigration.

"This is also a warning to those who want to immigrate illegally before they go and die in such a way. It is unfortunate that there are still people who go despite the danger," he added.

In early November, at least 25 people died off the Comoros archipelago after people smugglers capsized their boat.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/it-nhat-22-nguoi-di-cu-somalia-thiet-mang-trong-no-luc-vuot-bien-den-lanh-tho-phap-post322815.html