At least 68 African migrants have died after a boat carrying refugees and migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen’s Abyan province. More than 74 others remain missing following the incident involving a vessel carrying 154 Ethiopian nationals. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed the tragedy on Sunday.
Abdusattar Esoyev, head of IOM’s Yemen office, told the Associated Press that 12 people were rescued alive following the accident. The bodies of 54 victims have washed ashore in Khanfar district, while another 14 deceased were recovered and taken to hospitals.
Abdul Qader Bajamil, director of the health department in the city of Zanjibar, said preparations are underway to bury the deceased in the Shakra area. Rescue efforts continue despite adverse weather conditions.
The sea route from the Horn of Africa through Yemen to the wealthy Gulf countries has long been a common but perilous path for migrants. Since the outbreak of civil war in Yemen in 2014, migration pressure on this route has increased significantly. Although violence eased somewhat after a ceasefire between Houthi rebels and government forces in 2022, the dangers remain high.
According to IOM, many people fleeing conflict-ridden countries like Somalia and Ethiopia attempt to reach the Gulf region via Yemen, often risking overcrowded boats on the Red Sea. Such vessels frequently encounter fatal accidents during the crossing.