t least 17 Somali migrants have died after their boat capsized in waters between Algeria and Spain, Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria said Thursday.
Ambassador Yusuf Ahmed Hassan told state media that the victims, 12 men and five women drowned when the vessel overturned during the journey. The number of passengers on board remains unclear.
“I was reached by parents who were looking for their children and wanted to know their whereabouts,” Hassan said.
He said he contacted Algerian authorities, who confirmed that a group of African migrants had died in a coastal province about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Algiers.
The ambassador traveled to the coastal city of Bou Ismail early Thursday and visited two hospitals where the bodies were taken.
“I saw the bodies,” he said.
Algerian officials have not released full details about the incident, including the cause of the capsizing or how many people were on the boat.
Somali migrants are increasingly among those making the journey, driven by conflict, economic hardship and recurring drought at home.
The tragedy comes hours after Somalia repatriated 174 young nationals from Libya, many of whom had endured detention, abuse and harsh living conditions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the operation is part of broader efforts to assist citizens in distress and counter the risks posed by irregular migration and trafficking networks.
Somali migrants are increasingly among those attempting the dangerous journey to Europe, driven by insecurity, limited economic opportunities and recurring drought.
Libya and Algeria remain key transit points for African migrants heading north, where many face exploitation, detention and abuse at the hands of traffickers and armed groups.