Ten migrants drown trying to reach French Island

Ten migrants from the Comoros, including a seven-year-old child, have drowned while trying to make their way to the island of Mayotte – a French territory in the Indian Ocean.

Police said their bodies were found washed up on the beach, with their small fishing boat appearing to have capsized in a strong swell.

Rescuers picked up survivors perched on coral reefs.

A search is under way to find other victims.

Mayotte has seen an influx of migrants from nearby countries.

In the past 25 years, more than 12,000 people have lost their lives trying to make the 70km (43-mile) crossing from Anjouan, one of the Comoros islands, to Mayotte, reports journalist Yasine Mohabuth.