SW News: At least 34 migrants were killed after a boat in East Africa's Madagascar capsized off the coast on Saturday. According to the authorities, the boat carrying more than 60 migrants from Madagascar to the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte sank.

The migrants hoping for a better future traveled illegally, avoiding official immigration or customs controls. Director General of the Port, Maritime, and Fluvial Agency Jean Edmond Randrianantenaina said the Customs and Navy patrols recovered the bodies near Nosy Faly. But, he added, "The entire state apparatus is angry at this tragedy. Also, we are implementing all possible means to speed up the investigations."

Soon after the incident, fishermen rescued nearly 24 passengers. However, two reportedly ran away before the officials reached the spot, fearing arrests. According to the preliminary investigation, many victims hailed from Ambilobe, Tamatave, Majunga, and Nosy Be.

Many migrants try each year to find a haven in the French territory of Mayotte, north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Over 6,500 people trying to enter the territory illegally were detained in 2021. Unfortunately, no reliable statistics depict the number of deaths while attempting such crossings.

According to a French Senate report published in the 2000s, at least 1,000 migrants died yearly.