Fourteen migrants have died and 22 others have been rescued after a boat travelling from the Comoros to the French island of Mayotte developed a mechanical fault and drifted to the coast of Mafia District, authorities have said.
Mafia District Commissioner Aziza Mangosongo said the survivors nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi and the Comoros were rescued on July 22 after the disabled vessel reached the shoreline at Kungwi Village in Baleni Ward.
Speaking on July 24, Ms Mangosongo said the unregistered H40 boat, fitted with a Yamaha engine, had departed from the Comoros carrying 36 passengers.
The vessel reportedly suffered a technical failure while at sea, leaving those on board stranded during the voyage.
"Fourteen passengers lost their lives after the boat developed mechanical problems, while 22 others survived and were rescued by the District Disaster Management Team," she said.
According to the district commissioner, the passengers were attempting to reach Mayotte, from where they hoped to continue to France, citing conflict in their home countries and the search for better economic opportunities in Europe as reasons for undertaking the journey.
The Mafia District administration, working with the District Disaster Management Team and humanitarian partners, has provided the survivors with food, clothing and other essential relief supplies.
The survivors comprise nine men, eight women and five children three boys and two girls and are receiving treatment at Kilindoni District Hospital.
Ms Mangosongo commended Kungwi Village leaders for reporting the incident promptly, as well as healthcare workers, emergency responders and local residents whose coordinated efforts enabled the rescue operation and delivery of emergency assistance.
She also urged the public to follow legal immigration and travel procedures and avoid undertaking dangerous irregular migration routes, warning that unsafe sea crossings continue to claim lives.
