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A tragic maritime disaster off the southern coast of Yemen has claimed the lives of at least 68 migrants, with dozens more still missing. The vessel, carrying approximately 154 Ethiopian nationals, capsized early Sunday near the province of Abyan amid rough weather conditions.
🌊 Details of the Incident
According to Abdusattor Esoev, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Yemen, the boat sank in the Gulf of Aden, a perilous route frequently used by migrants seeking passage to Gulf countries. The bodies of 54 victims were recovered in the district of Khanfar, while 14 others were found and transferred to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, Abyan’s provincial capital.
Only 12 individuals survived the wreck, and 74 remain unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing, though hampered by challenging conditions.
🚧 A Deadly Migration Route
Despite Yemen’s ongoing civil conflict, the country remains a major transit point for migrants from East Africa. Smugglers often transport people in overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels across the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden. The IOM has described this corridor as one of the “busiest and most perilous” migration routes globally.
In 2024 alone, over 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen, though the number marked a decline from previous years due to increased maritime patrols. The IOM reports that hundreds have died or gone missing in similar incidents in recent months.
