Over 180 Migrants Missing After Boats Capsize Off Yemen

AFP

Djibouti/Yemen: In a tragic escalation of migrant deaths at sea, four boats carrying Ethiopian migrants sank off the coasts of Djibouti and Yemen, leaving at least one confirmed dead and more than 180 missing, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Friday.

The incidents occurred on Thursday night along the perilous “eastern route,” frequently used by migrants from Ethiopia seeking work in Gulf countries or fleeing conflict.

Two of the boats, one carrying approximately 30 people and the other around 150, went missing off Yemen’s coast, according to IOM’s Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev. “We are talking about 186 people who may have unfortunately perished at sea,” he told AFP, adding that most of the passengers were Ethiopian migrants, with at least five Yemeni crew members. Among those onboard, 57 were women.

Meanwhile, the other two boats capsized off Djibouti due to strong winds. While most passengers were rescued, at least one or two fatalities were reported, Esoev said.

Rising Migration, Mounting Tragedies

The sinkings highlight the growing risks associated with the eastern migration route, which remains one of the deadliest in the world. According to an IOM report released Thursday, more than 60,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen this year alone, with a 13% rise in those attempting the journey compared to 2023.

Many migrants come from Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray region, driven by economic desperation and instability. Women and girls now represent a third of those making the treacherous voyage, a marked increase from last year.

The IOM warns that overcrowded, unseaworthy boats, dangerous sea conditions, and ruthless smuggling practices continue to fuel repeated tragedies. In 2023, at least six major shipwrecks were recorded, with smugglers often forcing passengers to disembark in deep waters.

Just last month, 20 Ethiopian migrants died when their boat capsized off Yemen, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Despite the mounting death toll, migration along the eastern route shows no signs of slowing, as thousands continue to risk their lives in search of safety and opportunity.