A boat carrying about 350 people from Djibouti to Yemen capsized near Obock, killing at least 109 migrants, including 15 children, and leaving over 116 missing, according to the International Organisation for Migration. The IOM released the statement on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Survivors reported the vessel overturned north of the Djibouti town of Obock.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The IOM noted that tens of thousands of people travel through Djibouti each year in search of better opportunities in Yemen and the Gulf countries. This latest tragedy underscores the ongoing risks of such journeys.
Migrant crossings from the Horn of Africa to Yemen have become increasingly perilous. The IOM has documented numerous shipwrecks in the region, with many vessels losing their lives to the sea. This event adds to a pattern of fatal accidents, raising concerns about the safety and regulation of these routes. The IOM continues to monitor and report on the situation, urging greater attention to the safety of those attempting to cross.
