A vessel carrying hundreds of people capsized off the coast of Djibouti, resulting in at least 139 deaths, with 84 people still missing, according to the International Organisation for Migration. The boat was en route from Djibouti to Yemen when it overturned, prompting an ongoing search operation. Survivors reported the vessel was carrying approximately 350 people.
The incident occurred north of the coastal town of Obock. Initial reports from the IOM indicated at least 109 migrants died, including 15 children, with over 116 missing. Later updates confirmed the death toll had risen to 139. The IOM stated that survivors described the overcrowded vessel as carrying around 350 people from Djibouti to Yemen.
This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The IOM has previously noted that tens of thousands of migrants travel through Djibouti annually in search of better opportunities in Yemen and the Gulf countries. The African Union expressed condolences and called for stronger regional and international cooperation to prevent such tragedies. The search for missing individuals continues, with rescue teams working in challenging conditions.
