DAR ES SALAAM, July 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 migrants from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and the Comoros died, while 22 others were rescued off Tanzania's Mafia Island after their boat broke down en route to Mayotte, a local official said on Saturday.
Mafia District Commissioner Aziza Mangosongo told Xinhua by phone that the survivors were found on July 22 along the shores of Kungwi Village in Baleni Ward after their vessel developed mechanical problems and failed to reach its destination.
Fourteen migrants died after the vessel encountered difficulties at sea, Mangosongo said, adding that the migrants attempted to reach Mayotte, a French overseas department, in hopes of seeking better economic opportunities.
The boat was caught in a storm and drifted into the open sea, where rough conditions caused its engine to fail, she said, adding that according to the survivors, the vessel remained stranded at sea for eight days before they were rescued. ■
