IOM mourns as 18 DRC migrants abandoned at sea by smugglers drown

UN agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reiterated its call for urgent action to establish safe and legal migration pathways that reduce the dangers faced by women, men, and children on perilous sea crossings as it mourned the death of 18 Democratic Republic of Congo migrants.

The IOM in a statement said it is “deeply saddened by the deaths of at least 18 migrant who lost their lives after a group of an estimated 51 people was abandoned at sea by smugglers near the beach of Mitsamiouli, in the north of Grande Comore island, on the night of 18 March.

Forced to swim to shore, several migrants drowned due to exhaustion and difficult conditions. Residents, alerted by the migrants’ cries for help, mobilized and carried out rescue efforts.

“Thirty migrants were rescued during the night, while eight bodies were recovered. On the afternoon of 19 March, the Coast Guard and local fishermen recovered an additional ten bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to 18. Three persons remain missing with search and rescue efforts ongoing.”

The statement said all those on board identified themselves as nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), adding that the survivors reported that the group departed from the DRC, travelling overland to the United Republic of Tanzania before boarding a vessel bound for Comoros, where they were abandoned at sea by smugglers near the northern coast of Grande Comore. “Among the dead are women and children, with the youngest victim reported to be three years old. The 30 survivors are currently receiving medical care at Mitsamiouli hospital and are expected to be transferred to Moroni for further assistance.

“This heartbreaking incident lays bare the deadly consequences of migrant smuggling on this dangerous route. Behind these figures are real people — some of the most vulnerable among us — who have paid the ultimate price. Our deepest condolences go to all those mourning this devastating loss,” said Roger Charles Evina, Chief of Mission, IOM Madagascar and Comoros.

IOM said it is working with local authorities and partners to support the immediate needs of survivors. “Following a joint field visit with the Minister of Interior, relevant government authorities, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, IOM will conduct screening and registration of survivors to identify protection risks and vulnerabilities, carry out a rapid needs assessment including verification of medical needs beyond emergency care already provided, distribute non-food item and hygiene kits, and explore the need for mental health and psychosocial support.”

Through its current work in Comoros, IOM said it is supporting authorities to disrupt smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable migrants, providing specialized training and equipment to border police and coast guard units and supporting mixed anti-smuggling brigades, and strengthening regional cooperation on migration governance.

“IOM reiterates its call for urgent action to establish safe and legal migration pathways that reduce the dangers faced by women, men, and children on perilous sea crossings. Only through combined action against smuggling networks and meaningful regional cooperation can further tragedies like this one be prevented.

“IOM, the UN Migration Agency remains committed to working with the Government of Comoros and regional partners to ensure survivors receive the protection, medical care, and humanitarian assistance they need.”