At least 17 Somali migrants die in boat capsizing off Algeria coast

Friday April 24, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — A boat carrying Somali migrants capsized between Algeria and Spain, killing at least 17 people, Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria said Thursday.

Ambassador Yusuf Ahmed Hassan told state media that 12 men and five women drowned after the vessel overturned during the crossing. It was not immediately clear how many passengers were aboard.

“I was reached by parents who were looking for their children and wanted to know their whereabouts,” Hassan said.

He said he later spoke with Algerian authorities, who confirmed that a number of African migrants had died in a coastal province roughly 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Algiers.

The ambassador traveled early Thursday to Bou Ismail, the coastal city where the bodies were taken, and visited two hospitals.

“I saw the bodies,” he said.

Algerian officials have not yet disclosed the full circumstances of the disaster, including what caused the boat to capsize or how many people were on board.

The deaths underscore the growing presence of Somali migrants among those undertaking the perilous route to Europe, a path shaped by conflict, economic hardship and repeated drought at home.

The crash came just hours after Somalia repatriated 174 young nationals from Libya, many of whom had faced detention, abuse and harsh conditions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the return operation is part of wider efforts to help citizens in distress and curb the dangers linked to 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 major transit hubs for African migrants heading north, where many are exposed to exploitation, detention and abuse by traffickers and armed groups.