At least 22 Somalis die after boat capsizes off Madagascar

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

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

On November 23, port authorities reported that local fishermen had discovered the first drifting boat on November 22 near Nosy Iranja. They rescued 25 people, including 10 men and 15 women, but 7 people on board died.

According to APMF, the second boat carrying 38 people has docked at the port of du Cratère in Madagascar. The maritime agency did not disclose the number of fatalities on the second boat but confirmed that 23 people were rescued.

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

Illustration photo: AFP

In recent decades, thousands of people have attempted to cross the sea to Mayotte, where the standard of living is higher and access to the French welfare system is available.

Mayotte is officially part of France, although Comoros claims 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 also serves as a warning to those who want to immigrate illegally before they leave and die in such a way. It's unfortunate that some people still leave despite the dangers," he added.

In early November, at least 25 people died off the coast of the Comoros Islands after human traffickers 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