At least 24 people have died after two boats, mostly carrying Somali nationals, sank off the northern coast of Madagascar, according to local officials.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there were 70 people on board the boats. Efforts are ongoing to bring the survivors home safely.
The boats were found drifting in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, with reports saying the engines had failed, leading to the tragic incident.
Survivors shared that local fishermen rescued them, but sadly, many passengers did not make it through the dangerous journey.
It is believed the passengers were trying to reach Mayotte, a French island that is a common destination for Somali migrants looking for asylum.
The journey is known to be very risky, with many of the boats not strong enough to handle the rough ocean conditions.
A Somali government official said unemployment and poverty in the Horn of Africa are forcing young people to take such dangerous chances, hoping for a better life in Europe or other safer places.
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