Two dead, 186 missing after four boats sink off Yemen and Djibouti: UN

Tragedy Strikes as Migrant Boats Capsize off Yemen and Djibouti, Leaving Hundreds Missing

A devastating maritime disaster has unfolded in the waters off Yemen and Djibouti, where four boats carrying migrants from Africa have capsized, resulting in at least two confirmed deaths and 186 people missing. The United Nations migration agency has provided details of this tragic incident, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Gulf countries through these perilous routes.

Migrant Boats Capsize off Yemen, Leaving Hundreds Unaccounted For

On Thursday evening, two migrant boats capsized off the coast of Yemen. Tamim Eleian, a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), confirmed that two crew members were rescued, but the fate of 181 migrants and five Yemeni crew members remains unknown. The majority of those onboard are believed to be Ethiopian migrants, with at least 57 women among the missing. Abdusattor Esoev, the IOM chief of mission in Yemen, expressed grave concerns about the likelihood of finding survivors, underscoring the dire nature of the situation.

Two Other Boats Capsize off Djibouti, Claiming Lives and Sparking Rescue Efforts

Simultaneously, two additional boats capsized off the coast of Djibouti. Authorities were able to recover the bodies of two migrants, while the remaining passengers were rescued. This dual tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks migrants face when attempting to flee their home countries in search of better opportunities, often at the mercy of unscrupulous smugglers and treacherous sea conditions.

Yemen Remains a Key Migration Route Despite Ongoing Conflict

Yemen, currently embroiled in a decade-long civil war, continues to be a critical transit point for migrants and refugees from East Africa and the Horn of Africa. These individuals seek to reach Gulf countries for employment, with hundreds of thousands attempting the journey annually. The route involves dangerous crossings of the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, often in overcrowded and unsafe vessels operated by smugglers.

A Grim Reality: Rising Migration and Increasing Fatalities

Recent data from the IOM reveals a concerning trend in migration through Yemen. While the number of people reaching Yemen tripled from 2021 to 2023, with 97,200 arrivals in 2023, increased maritime patrols in 2024 led to a decline to just under 61,000. However, this reduction in arrivals has not curbed the dangers faced by migrants. The IOM reported 558 fatalities along the route in 2024, including the January 2024 incident where 20 Ethiopians lost their lives in a boat capsizing off Yemen.

A Decade of Devastation: The Human Cost of Migration

Over the past decade, at least 2,082 people have disappeared along this migration route, with 693 confirmed drownings. These numbers represent just a fraction of the human cost of this perilous journey. Currently, an estimated 380,000 migrants are in Yemen, many of whom continue to face immense challenges, from treacherous travel conditions to potential exploitation and violence. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration, enhance maritime safety, and protect the lives of those seeking a better future.