Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
At Least 68 Migrants, Mostly Ethiopians, Die After Boat Sinks Off Yemen Coast
At least 68 migrants have died and dozens remain missing after an overcrowded boat capsized off Yemen’s southern coast amid severe weather conditions, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The ill-fated vessel was carrying approximately 157 people, the majority of them Ethiopian nationals, when it sank in the Gulf of Aden near the Shabwah governorate. Survivors and local authorities confirmed the boat departed from Somalia, heading toward Yemen a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Gulf countries in search of work and safety.
“This is yet another tragic reminder of the perils faced by migrants in this region,” said Olivia Headon, IOM spokesperson. “Most of those onboard were young Ethiopians, including women and unaccompanied minors, who had hoped for a better life.”
Local fishermen and coast guard units managed to rescue at least 80 survivors, many of whom are now receiving emergency medical assistance and trauma support. However, more than a dozen remain unaccounted for and are feared dead, with rescue operations hampered by rough seas.
The treacherous “Eastern Route” a migration corridor from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is among the most dangerous in the world. Despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen, thousands of migrants continue to risk their lives each year crossing the Gulf of Aden, often in unseaworthy boats operated by smugglers.
In 2024 alone, over 100,000 migrants were recorded crossing this route, many falling victim to exploitation, abuse, or deadly sea voyages.
The IOM has renewed its call for greater international cooperation to protect migrants and address the root causes of forced migration, including poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities in the Horn of Africa.
“This devastating loss of life must not be normalized,” the agency said in a statement. “The world must act to ensure safe and legal pathways for migration and bring smugglers exploiting vulnerable people to justice.”
Authorities are continuing search and recovery efforts, and a full investigation into the incident is expected.
Source፡ IOM
