A boat carrying hundreds of migrants from Djibouti to Yemen capsized off the coast, killing at least 139 people and leaving 84 missing. The incident occurred near the town of Obock, according to the International Organisation for Migration. Survivors reported the vessel was carrying around 350 people when it overturned.
The African Union expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for greater regional and international cooperation to prevent such tragedies. The AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extended condolences to the families of the victims.
This disaster is the latest in a series of maritime tragedies affecting migrants attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The IOM has noted that tens of thousands of migrants travel through Djibouti each year in search of better opportunities in Yemen and the Gulf countries. The dangerous journey often involves overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels, increasing the risk of accidents.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants seeking safer passage and the urgent need for improved maritime safety measures. Rescue teams continue to search for the missing, while authorities are reviewing protocols to prevent future losses.
