At least 24 people have died after two boats carrying mostly Somali nationals capsized off the coast of Madagascar.

A statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said efforts were underway to "ensure the safe return of the survivors". The two boats carried a total of 70 passengers.

The vessels were discovered adrift off Madagascar's north coast in the Indian Ocean. It is believed their engines had failed.

A senior Somalian government official told local media that survivors were rescued by fishermen.