At Least 18 Migrants Drown Off Comoros While Trying to Reach Mayotte

At least 18 migrants drowned off the coast of Comoros after smugglers forced them into the sea while trying to reach Mayotte, a territory of France. Survivors, many from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said the journey was long and without food or water. About 30 people survived, while search efforts continue for missing victims.

At least 18 African migrants drowned off the coast of Comoros after smugglers forced them into the sea some distance from shore while attempting to reach the French island of Mayotte, officials and rescue workers said on Thursday. The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by migrants who risk their lives on irregular sea routes in search of better opportunities. Around 30 other passengers survived the tragedy, though many were left traumatized and physically weakened.
The victims were abandoned in waters near Mitsamiouli, a town located on the northern tip of Grande Comore, the largest island in the Comoros archipelago. According to initial reports, many of those forced into the water were unable to swim, leaving them with little chance of survival once they were pushed overboard. The chaotic conditions and darkness further worsened the situation, making rescue efforts difficult in the immediate aftermath.
Survivors said they had embarked on the journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo, traveling long distances in hopes of reaching Mayotte, a French overseas territory that continues to attract migrants due to its relatively better infrastructure, healthcare system, and social support services. For many, the island represents a gateway to improved living conditions, even though it is officially the poorest department of France.
One 25-year-old survivor recounted the harsh and exhausting journey that led to the tragedy. He explained that he began his trip in North Kivu, a region often affected by conflict and instability. From there, he spent three days moving through dense forest terrain before managing to board a bus heading to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The journey did not end there, as he and others later boarded a small boat intended to take them across the sea to Mayotte.
According to his account, the sea voyage lasted seven days under extremely difficult conditions. Food and water supplies quickly ran out, leaving passengers dehydrated, hungry, and increasingly desperate. He also noted that it soon became evident that the boat’s captain had lost his way, heightening fear among those on board. “Very quickly, we could tell the captain was lost. At one point, we had no bread or water,” he said, describing the growing panic.
Security officials estimated that around 50 people were on the overcrowded vessel, far exceeding safe capacity. As the journey dragged on, conditions deteriorated, and the smugglers ultimately made the decision to force passengers into the sea prematurely, likely believing they were close enough to land for the migrants to swim the remaining distance.
A local resident in Mitsamiouli described how the tragedy unfolded from the shore. He said he and others were watching a football match when they suddenly heard cries for help coming from the ocean. Initially confused, they soon realized that people were struggling in the water and rushed to assist. Upon reaching the scene, they encountered men, women, and children in distress, many of whom believed they had already reached Mayotte and were only a short distance from safety.
In reality, the migrants had been abandoned nearly 200 kilometers away from their intended destination. The vast distance, combined with exhaustion and lack of swimming ability, proved fatal for many. The strong currents and open sea conditions made survival even more difficult for those who had already endured days without adequate food or water.
Despite its economic challenges, Mayotte remains a powerful draw for migrants across Africa and the Comoros region. Its status as part of France offers access to public services such as education, healthcare, and legal protections that are often unavailable or limited in migrants’ home countries. This has fueled a steady flow of people willing to take extreme risks to reach the island.
Human smuggling networks continue to exploit this demand, operating dangerous and unregulated sea crossings using overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats. According to the United Nations migration agency, thousands of migrants have died in recent years attempting to reach Mayotte through this route, making it one of the deadliest migration corridors in the region.
The latest incident is not an isolated case. In 2024, at least 25 people died near Mayotte when a smuggling boat capsized, further illustrating the persistent dangers associated with these journeys. Despite repeated warnings and rescue efforts, migrants continue to embark on these voyages, driven by conflict, poverty, and the hope of a better future.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, residents, fishermen, and local authorities on Grande Comore worked together to recover bodies from the sea. The operation has been ongoing, with search teams combing the waters for additional victims. The country’s interior minister confirmed that the coastguard is still searching for at least four people who remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further as recovery efforts continue.