Moroni, Comoros – At least 18 African migrants drowned on Thursday, March 19, 2026, after being abandoned at sea by smugglers while attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte, officials reported. The incident highlights the dangerous routes migrants are taking in search of better opportunities and underscores the risks associated with human trafficking in the region.
According to reports, approximately 30 other migrants survived the ordeal. The group had been set adrift near the town of Mitsamiouli, located on the northern tip of Grande Comore, the largest island in the Comoros archipelago. Many of those on board were unable to swim.
Survivors have identified themselves as originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and stated their destination was Mayotte, a French overseas territory that attracts migrants with the promise of improved living conditions and access to social services. One 25-year-ancient survivor recounted a lengthy journey, telling French news agency AFP, “I spent three days in the forest. Then I took a bus to Dar es Salaam. From there, we took a boat. The journey lasted seven days.” He added, “Very quickly, we could tell the captain was lost. At one point, we had no bread or water.”
Security officials estimate around 50 people were on the vessel. Mohamed Ahamada Assoumani, the Comoros’ interior minister, confirmed that most of the migrants were from Congo. He detailed the recovery efforts, stating, “Last night, we found eight dead. The bodies were recovered by the residents of Mitsamiouli, fishermen and authorities.” He further reported that nine more bodies were recovered on Friday, March 20, 2026, bringing the confirmed death toll to 17, with four people still missing. The death toll was later revised to 18 after another body was found.
A local resident of Mitsamiouli described hearing cries for help before arriving at the scene, recalling, “We were watching the Barca-Newcastle match when we heard screams. We found men, women, children — they thought they had reached Mayotte.” Though, they were approximately 200 kilometers from their intended destination.
Despite being France’s poorest department, Mayotte remains a sought-after destination for migrants from across Africa and the Comoros. Thousands have died attempting the perilous sea crossing, according to the United Nation’s migration agency. This incident marks the first reported loss of life directly linked to such a crossing, according to United Nations representative James Tsok Bot.
The list of the deceased released by the Interior Ministry included two children, aged three and ten, as well as two Burundian nationals. The incident is prompting calls for increased international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and combat human smuggling networks.
