At least 18 African migrants have lost their lives in a heartbreaking maritime tragedy off the coast of the Comoros, as they attempted to reach the French territory of Mayotte.
According to officials and rescue teams, the victims were part of a group of about 50 migrants who had been transported by smugglers. In a dangerous move, they were reportedly dropped off in the sea some distance from shore, forcing them to swim to land.
While about 30 people survived, many struggled in the water due to an inability to swim. Authorities confirmed that among the deceased were two young children, aged three and ten.
Interior Minister Mohamed Ahamada Assoumani stated that several bodies were recovered by local fishermen, residents, and emergency responders in the coastal town of Mitsamiouli.
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Survivors revealed that many of the migrants were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fleeing hardship and conflict, particularly from regions like North Kivu. Their journey reportedly began in Dar es Salaam, where they boarded a boat for the long and perilous trip.
One survivor recounted a harrowing seven-day voyage marked by hunger, thirst, and uncertainty, saying the boat’s captain appeared to have lost direction during the journey.
The destination, Mayotte, remains a magnet for migrants seeking better opportunities due to its relatively developed infrastructure and access to French social services—even though it is considered France’s poorest overseas department.
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The International Organization for Migration has repeatedly warned about the dangers of such routes, noting that thousands have died attempting similar crossings.
In a chilling account, a local resident described how cries for help interrupted a football viewing of a Barcelona vs Newcastle match. Rushing to the beach, rescuers found exhausted men, women, and children—many believing they had safely reached Mayotte.
Instead, they had been abandoned on a sandbank just short of the shore, where tragedy struck as they attempted to complete the journey on foot through the water.
This incident marks a devastating reminder of the risks faced by migrants and the ongoing human cost of irregular migration across dangerous sea routes.
