Over 60 Migrants Dead After Boat Capsizes Off Yemen Coast
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when a boat carrying African migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 68 individuals and leaving 74 others missing. This calamity highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach the Gulf Arab countries in search of better opportunities. The information was confirmed by the United Nations’ migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The vessel, which was carrying a total of 154 Ethiopian migrants, sank in the Gulf of Aden near the southern Yemeni province of Abyan during the early hours of the morning. Abdusattor Esoev, head of the IOM in Yemen, provided details to the Associated Press, stating that bodies of 54 migrants were found along the shores of Khanfar district, while an additional 14 deceased migrants were recovered and taken to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, the provincial capital.
Only 12 individuals survived the shipwreck, and the remaining migrants are presumed dead. In light of the tragedy, the Abyan security directorate launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation, noting that many bodies were scattered across a wide area along the coast.
Yemen, despite enduring over a decade of civil war, remains a critical transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Many put their lives in the hands of smugglers, embarking on overcrowded and perilous journeys across the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden.
Recent months have seen a surge in fatalities among migrants attempting this dangerous route. In March alone, two migrants died and 186 others were reported missing after four boats capsized near Yemen and Djibouti, according to the IOM.
The number of migrants arriving in Yemen has fluctuated significantly. In 2024, over 60,000 migrants reached Yemen, a decline from 97,200 in 2023. This decrease is likely attributed to increased patrolling of the waters, as outlined in a report by the IOM published in March.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and humanitarian assistance for those seeking refuge and a better life in the Gulf region.
