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The Mystery of the "A.W.": A Reconstruction of the Disappearance in the Mozambique Channel

On June 16, 2025, a routine maritime journey between Madagascar and the Comoros Islands turned into one of the region's most baffling maritime mysteries. The motor vessel A.W., operated by the company Arfazdath & Windio, vanished without a trace, leaving families and authorities searching for answers that have yet to arrive.

1. The Departure: June 16, 2025


The vessel was stationed at the port of Mahajanga, a major hub on the northwest coast of Madagascar.

  • The Passenger: Among the 19 passengers was Khan Zabit, a 24-year-old man born in Paktia. His travel ticket (N° 0075) confirms he paid 800,000 Ar for a "Simple" (one-way) trip to Anjouan, Comoros.

  • The Manifest: In total, 30 people were on board: 19 passengers and 11 crew members. Notably, the manifest included the only daughter of the ship’s owner, Abdallah Rosalie.

  • The Cargo: The ship was carrying approximately 65 tons of diverse goods, primarily food supplies intended for the Comorian markets.

2. The Final Contact

The "A.W." departed Mahajanga on the morning of June 16. The journey to Anjouan typically takes about three days.

  • Last Signal: The last confirmed radio or signal contact occurred on the evening of the departure, around 9:30 PM. At that time, no distress signal (MAYDAY) was issued, and no mechanical failures were reported.

  • Expected Arrival: The ship was due to dock in the Comoros on June 19, 2025. When it failed to appear, the Malagasy maritime authorities (APMF) were alerted.

3. The Search Operation: "Operation Atsantsa"

What followed was one of the most expensive private-public search efforts in Malagasy waters.


  • Maritime Search: The patrol boat Atsantsa was deployed to follow the presumed trajectory of the "A.W." Each mission required approximately 7,000 liters of fuel, a cost reportedly covered by the ship's owner in a desperate bid to find his daughter and crew.

  • Aerial Reconnaissance: Aircraft from Mayotte (Mayotte Fly Services) and local Malagasy planes conducted over 10 hours of flight time, costing roughly €1,700 per hour.

  • The Result: Despite scouring the Mozambique Channel, zero debris was found. No life jackets, no oil slicks, and no floating cargo were ever recovered.

4. Confirmed Facts vs. Theories

As of late 2025 and into 2026, the following remains certain:

  • Official Status: The vessel and all 30 souls on board are officially listed as missing.

  • Technical Concerns: Witness reports and photos taken before departure suggested the vessel might have been overloaded, with the red Plimsoll line (waterline) reportedly submerged before it left the quay.

  • The Silence: The lack of any floating debris is highly unusual for a standard shipwreck, leading to various unproven theories ranging from a sudden, catastrophic hull failure to piracy in the northern channel.

5. The Human Toll

For the family of Khan Zabit and the 29 others, the lack of closure remains the most painful aspect of the tragedy. The "Missing Person" alerts circulating on social media are a testament to a community that refuses to forget.

The case of the A.W. remains an open investigation by the APMF and international maritime observers, serving as a somber reminder of the power and unpredictability of the Mozambique Channel.

Note to Readers: If you have any verified information regarding the movements of the vessel "A.W." or its passengers after June 16, 2025, please contact the nearest maritime authority or police station.

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