Tragedy Strikes as Over 60 Migrants Die in Yemen Boat Capsize
A boat carrying African migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen on March 17, 2024, resulting in the deaths of at least 68 individuals, with 74 others reported missing. This incident, confirmed by the United Nations’ migration agency, highlights the ongoing peril faced by migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in search of better opportunities in Gulf Arab countries.
The vessel sank in the Gulf of Aden near the southern Yemeni province of Abyan, carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants. Abdusattor Esoev, the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Yemen, provided details about the tragedy to The Associated Press. He reported that 54 bodies had washed ashore in the district of Khanfar, while an additional 14 deceased migrants were retrieved and taken to a morgue in Zinjibar, the provincial capital.
Only 12 survivors were located following the shipwreck, with the remaining individuals presumed dead. The Abyan security directorate has initiated a large-scale search-and-rescue operation due to the high number of casualties. Many bodies were discovered scattered across a broad area of the shoreline, indicative of the chaotic nature of the incident.
Ongoing Crisis for Migrants in the Region
Yemen, despite its tumultuous civil war lasting over a decade, remains a significant transit country for migrants from East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Many individuals embark on perilous journeys across the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden, relying on smugglers who often overcrowd boats, increasing the risks of shipwrecks.
This latest tragedy is part of a disturbing trend. In recent months, hundreds of migrants have died or gone missing in similar incidents. Notably, in March 2024, two migrants lost their lives, and 186 others were reported missing after four boats capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti, according to the IOM.
The number of migrants arriving in Yemen has decreased significantly, with more than 60,000 recorded in 2024, down from 97,200 in 2023. This reduction may be attributed to increased patrolling of the waters, making the dangerous journey less accessible.
The plight of migrants continues to draw attention as they navigate treacherous paths in hopes of a better future. The recent boat capsizing underscores the urgent need for international efforts to address the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations. The IOM and other organizations continue to advocate for safer migration channels and enhanced protections for those seeking a new life beyond their homelands.
