On 20 December 2021, a cargo ship illegally carrying 130 passengers sank off the northeast coast of Madagascar.

A hole in the hull caused the engine room to flood, leaving the vessel vulnerable to wave action.

The vessel sank late on 20 December 2021 after its engine room was flooded, leaving it exposed to the action of waves.

[5][7] Gellé swam to within 500 metres (1,600 ft) of the shore, but the waves prevented him from reaching land.

[2][4] The following day the Madagascan Maritime and Port Agency announced that the confirmed death toll had increased to 85, with three persons missing.