28 Somalis died in two boats that landed on the shores of Madagascar

28 Somali citizens lost their lives when the boat they were traveling with sank on the northwestern coast of Madagascar.

The port, sea and river agency of Madagascar confirmed the death in a statement. 

The tragedy happened after two boats carrying a total of 66 passengers left Somalia on November 2, with the aim of reaching the French-controlled island of Mayotte. 

The two boats are reported to have encountered engine problems, which led to them being stranded at sea. Malagasy fishermen found one of the boats and brought it to a place known as Nosy Be. 

Somalia's ambassador to the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, has confirmed that the search operations are ongoing, and he has confirmed that the government of Somalia is working closely with Madagascar to find and help other people who may have survived. 

48 people who survived the disaster are currently in Madagascar's medical facilities, according to the Xinhua news agency. 

On the other hand, the Malagasy port authorities called on the people living in the town of Nosy Be to report if they see the wreckage of the boats, so that they can help in the rescue.