MOGADISHU, Somalia — A tragic event occurred off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, where two boats capsized, resulting in the loss of 24 lives, as reported by the Somali government on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi indicated that 46 individuals were rescued from the incident. He emphasized the efforts being made to ensure the safe return of survivors and to provide them with the necessary medical care and support.

The majority of those onboard were young Somalis, and their ultimate destination has not been determined. Every year, many young Somalis take perilous journeys in hopes of finding improved opportunities overseas. In response to the incident, a delegation, which includes the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia, is slated to depart for Madagascar on Monday. Their mission is to investigate the capsizing and facilitate assistance for the survivors.

Additionally, Minister Fiqi mentioned that Somalia’s ambassador to Morocco has been tasked with looking into another concerning report involving Somali youth stranded along Morocco’s coastline. The timeline of this incident is unclear, and further details have not been disclosed.

The U.N. migration agency has previously expressed alarm over the increasing instances of irregular migration originating from countries in the Horn of Africa, driven by factors such as conflict and drought. In April, a similar tragedy occurred when 38 migrants lost their lives, while 22 others were rescued following a shipwreck off Djibouti—a well-known route for those heading to Yemen. The majority of the rescued individuals were identified as Somalis and Ethiopians.