Mafia District Commissioner Aziza Mangosongo said that the survivors were found on July 22 along the shores of Kungwi Village in Baleni Ward after their vessel suffered mechanical problems and was unable to reach its destination, News.Az reports, citing Xinhua.
Mangosongo said the 14 migrants died after the boat encountered difficulties at sea. She added that the group had been attempting to reach Mayotte, a French overseas department, in search of better economic opportunities.
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According to Mangosongo, the boat was caught in a storm and drifted into open waters, where rough sea conditions caused its engine to fail.
She said survivors reported that the vessel remained stranded at sea for eight days before they were rescued.
