Story perspectives

Tragic Drowning: 18 Refugees Die in Mayotte Crossing

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

At least 18 African refugees drowned while attempting to reach Mayotte, a French island, after smugglers abandoned them in the water near Mitsamiouli, Comoros.
Survivors, including a 25-year-old from North Kivu, described a seven-day journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Comoros interior minister said searches are ongoing for four missing people, as Mayotte—France's poorest department—draws migrants who pay smugglers for dangerous crossings.

1 of 1

Story summary

At least 18 African refugees drowned while attempting to reach Mayotte, a French island, after smugglers abandoned them in the water near Mitsamiouli, Comoros.
Survivors, including a 25-year-old from North Kivu, described a seven-day journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Comoros interior minister said searches are ongoing for four missing people, as Mayotte—France's poorest department—draws migrants who pay smugglers for dangerous crossings.