At least 18 African migrants drown off coast of Comoros
Officials reported that at least 18 African migrants drowned near the Comoros while attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte. The group, consisting of approximately 50 individuals, was abandoned at sea by smugglers some distance from the shore.
Officials reported that at least 18 African migrants drowned near the Comoros while attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte. The group, consisting of approximately 50 individuals, was abandoned at sea by smugglers some distance from the shore.
About 30 individuals survived the incident, although many were unable to swim. The interior minister, Mohamed Ahamada Assoumani, stated that eight bodies were initially recovered by local residents, fishermen, and authorities in Mitsamiouli. Additional bodies have since been located.
Survivors identified themselves as being from the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to reach Mayotte due to its French infrastructure and social benefits. The Interior Ministry's list of deceased included two children, aged three and ten, and two individuals from Burundi.
Despite Mayotte being France's poorest department, it remains a favored destination for migrants from Africa and the Comoros, seeking improved living conditions. Many migrants employ smugglers to facilitate the perilous sea journey, with numerous fatalities reported by the UN's International Organization for Migration.
Officials reported that at least 18 African migrants drowned near the Comoros while attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte.
Migrants have previously arrived on the Comoros while en route to Mayotte, but this incident marks the first reported loss of life. James Tsok Bot, a United Nations representative, confirmed this as a unique occurrence.
A 25-year-old survivor from North Kivu, eastern DRC, described his journey. He traveled from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, after spending three days in the forest and a subsequent bus trip. The sea voyage lasted seven days, during which the captain reportedly lost direction, leading to food and water shortages.
Local residents from Mitsamiouli, approximately 40 kilometers from Moroni, responded to the crisis after hearing distress calls. Many migrants mistakenly believed they had reached Mayotte. The smuggler had left them on a sandbank near the shore, where difficulties arose as they attempted to swim to safety.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
