DJIBOUTI (HornPost) At least 139 migrants have died after a boat carrying hundreds of people capsized off the coast of Djibouti while travelling towards Yemen, according to reports citing the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The vessel was carrying migrants from the Horn of Africa, most of them Ethiopian nationals, who were attempting to reach Yemen before continuing their journeys towards wealthier Gulf countries in search of employment.
Initial reports put the death toll at 109, including 15 children. Subsequent reports raised the number of confirmed deaths to at least 139, while dozens of people remained missing.
The number of passengers has also varied across reports, with initial accounts citing approximately 350 people on board.
The boat reportedly departed from Djibouti and capsized near the Guhere area, north of the coastal town of Obock. The circumstances surrounding the disaster and the precise number of people still missing require continued confirmation from the relevant authorities and humanitarian agencies.
A Dangerous Migration Route
Djibouti is a major transit point for migrants from Ethiopia and other parts of the Horn of Africa seeking to reach the Arabian Peninsula. Many attempt the dangerous sea crossing to Yemen, from where some hope to travel onwards to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Despite the risks, economic hardship, limited employment opportunities and hopes of finding better-paying jobs continue to drive people towards the route.
The journey exposes migrants to dangerous sea conditions, overcrowded vessels, exploitation and trafficking risks.
Calls for Safer Migration Routes
The latest disaster highlights the continuing humanitarian risks facing migrants travelling across the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for stronger protection measures, improved search-and-rescue operations and safer, legal migration pathways to reduce deaths along these routes.
The final death toll and the number of missing passengers may change as search operations continue and authorities establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Editorial note: The latest reports put the death toll at 139, with 84 people missing and approximately 82 survivors. The boat carried 305 people according to the updated IOM account, although earlier reports cited around 350. Use the updated figures and attribute them to IOM.
HornPost News will update this report as further information becomes available.
