Independent sources confirm the vessels originally departed from the coast of Mogadishu on November 2, 2024, embarking on a treacherous journey across the Indian Ocean that would ultimately end in tragedy.
In a devastating maritime incident, twenty-two Somali migrants lost their lives when two vessels capsized off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The tragedy has highlighted the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings in the region.
According to Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Abdullahi Warfaa, the boats were carrying a total of 70 Somali citizens when disaster struck. Independent sources confirm the vessels originally departed from the coast of Mogadishu on November 2, 2024, embarking on a treacherous journey across the Indian Ocean that would ultimately end in tragedy.
Speaking to Radio Mogadishu, the ambassador detailed that of the 38 passengers aboard the first vessel, only 20 survived. The second boat, carrying 32 people, saw 23 survivors, including both men and women.
Local fishermen from Madagascar played a crucial role in the rescue operation, helping to save 48 survivors in total. The survivors have been transferred to medical facilities for treatment, though their current conditions remain unknown.
“An investigation is currently underway,” Ambassador Warfaa stated, adding that authorities have obtained the names of the victims, which will be shared with Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Intelligence reports suggest the migrants were likely attempting to reach Mayotte, a French territory that has become a significant destination for African migrants seeking better opportunities. The island, where approximately half the population is of foreign origin, has seen an increasing number of migration attempts in recent years.
The incident marks another tragic chapter in the growing toll of migrant deaths in the Indian Ocean, which has seen a concerning uptick in 2024. Maritime authorities and humanitarian organizations continue to warn about the dangers of such perilous sea crossings.
The investigation into the exact circumstances leading to the capsizing of both vessels is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to this tragic loss of life.
