A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Yemen when a boat carrying African migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of 68 individuals and leaving 74 others missing. The vessel, which was transporting 154 Ethiopian migrants, sank in the Gulf of Aden near the southern Yemeni province of Abyan on Sunday morning. This distressing event has been confirmed by the United Nations’ migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Abdusattor Esoev, head of the IOM in Yemen, reported to The Associated Press that the bodies of 54 migrants were discovered washed ashore in the district of Khanfar. An additional 14 deceased were located and transported to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, the provincial capital of Abyan. Out of the 154 passengers, only 12 survived the shipwreck, with the remaining individuals presumed dead.
Ongoing Crisis for Migrants
In response to the catastrophic situation, the Abyan security directorate has launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. They noted that many of the bodies were found scattered across a broad area of the shoreline, highlighting the extensive nature of the tragedy. This incident adds to a growing list of shipwrecks off the coast of Yemen that have claimed hundreds of lives among migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in East Africa, seeking opportunities in the wealthier Gulf Arab states.
Despite the ongoing civil conflict in Yemen, which has persisted for over a decade, the country remains a critical transit point for migrants from East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Smugglers often transport these individuals in overcrowded and dangerous boats across the treacherous waters of the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden.
Recent statistics indicate a sharp rise in fatalities among migrants attempting this perilous journey. According to the IOM, hundreds have died or gone missing in similar incidents in recent months. In March 2024, two migrants lost their lives, and 186 others were reported missing when four boats capsized near Yemen and Djibouti.
The influx of migrants has seen fluctuations in numbers. More than 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen in 2024, a significant decrease from the 97,200 who made the journey in 2023. This decline is likely attributed to increased patrolling of the waters, as detailed in a March report by the IOM.
The dire situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and assistance to address the growing crisis faced by migrants in this region. As these individuals continue to embark on dangerous journeys in search of a better life, the humanitarian implications remain profound and chilling.
