A passenger jet plunged into the Indian Ocean off the Comoros Islands on Tuesday but officials say everyone on board survived.

Comoros officials say rescuers pulled at least 27 passengers and crew members from the sea, after the Inter-Iles jet crashed shortly after takeoff from the capital, Moroni.

Initial reports indicate the pilot was having mechanical problems and was attempting to return to the Moroni airport.

In 2009, a Yemeni airliner crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros Islands, killing 152 people.