NAIROBI - At least 25 people died off Comoros islands after traffickers capsized their boat on Friday night, the United Nations' migration agency IOM said on Monday, the third such incident in three months.

       "IOM Comoros is saddened to hear about the deaths of at least 25 people after their boat was deliberately capsized by traffickers off Comoros Islands, between Anjouan and Mayotte on Friday night," IOM said in a statement.

       IOM, citing survivors, said the boat was carrying around 30 people from different nationalities, among them seven women and four children.

       "Five survivors were rescued by fishermen on Saturday morning," IOM said.

       In September, a boat carrying 12 people sailing from Anjouan failed to reach Mayotte, while in August eight people died in a similar incident, IOM said, adding that thousands have died on this route since 2011 while attempting to reach Mayotte.

       Mayotte is officially part of France, although Comoros claims it. REUTERS