Over 180 Migrants Missing After Boats Sink Off Yemen and Djibouti

More than 180 migrants are reported missing after four boats sank in a perilous stretch of water between Djibouti and Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM revealed that the incident occurred late Thursday and emphasized that the route is frequently used by Ethiopians seeking work in Gulf countries or fleeing conflict.

The IOM has labeled this route as one of the most dangerous for migrants. In 2024 alone, over 60,000 individuals were documented arriving in Yemen, underscoring the ongoing risk associated with such journeys. Previously, in January, twenty Ethiopians tragically lost their lives when their boat capsized off the Yemeni coast, a grim reminder of the perils faced by those attempting to migrate.

In 2024, the IOM recorded a total of 558 deaths along this treacherous migration route, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and action to protect vulnerable migrants.