Between October 8 and 9, a vessel with 305 migrants heading from Djibouti to Yemen capsized off the coast of Obock, Djibouti. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed at least 109 fatalities, including 15 children. As of the latest reports, 116 individuals remain missing. Over 80 Ethiopian nationals survived the incident. The IOM is providing emergency assistance to 64 survivors at a center in Obock while Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue operations.
The shipwreck occurred within the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a narrow maritime passage only 20 kilometers wide that is used by migrants traveling from Djibouti to Yemen. This route is used by migrants seeking economic opportunities in Gulf countries, yet it is defined by extreme risk due to regional instability, conflict in Yemen, poverty, insecurity, and climate change pressures.
109 migrants, including 15 children dead after boat from Djibouti to Yemen capsizes, UN agency says https://t.co/qWWzq6kHsq https://t.co/qWWzq6kHsq
According to the IOM, 178,000 people arrived in Djibouti from Ethiopia between January and October this year. The IOM also recorded more than 20,000 incoming movements from Ethiopia to Djibouti since September 10, representing an 18 percent increase in migration attempts.
Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue efforts to locate the 116 missing persons.
In the immediate aftermath, the IOM provided emergency assistance to 64 survivors at a center in Obock. Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue efforts to locate the 116 missing persons.
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The loss of 109 lives, including 15 children, reflects the human toll of the migration route.
Despite the tragedy, the movement of people from Ethiopia through Djibouti toward Yemen continues, driven by poverty, insecurity, and climate change. The 116 missing individuals remain unaccounted for, and the 64 survivors in Obock are receiving assistance from the IOM.
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