At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, and 14 others are missing after a boat sank off the coast of Yemen, according to the United Nations migration agency. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that a migrant boat, which departed from Djibouti with 25 Ethiopians and two Yemenis on board, went down near the Dubab district in the Bani al-Hakam subdistrict. The incident occurred on Tuesday, and so far, 11 men and two women have been identified among the deceased. The IOM stated that rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing individuals, including the Yemeni captain and his assistant. The cause of the sinking remains unclear.
Matt Huber, the acting head of IOM’s mission in Yemen, commented on this tragic event, stating: “This latest tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers migrants face on this route. Every life lost in these perilous waters is one too many, and it is crucial that we do not normalize these devastating losses, but instead work together to ensure that migrants are protected and supported throughout their journey.”
This recent shipwreck follows similar incidents in June and July. The IOM emphasizes that this event is yet another tragic reminder of the extreme dangers of this migration route and the dependence on smuggling networks. Vulnerable migrants are often pushed into life-threatening situations by smugglers while trying to escape desperate conditions in search of safety and opportunities in the Gulf states.
Every year, thousands of refugees and migrants attempt to cross the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa to escape conflict, natural disasters, or bleak economic prospects. The IOM has recorded over 97,200 arrivals in Yemen in 2023, surpassing the number from the previous year. Many of the migrants reaching Yemen face additional threats to their security, as the Arab world’s poorest country has been plagued by civil war for nearly a decade.
Most migrants aim to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to seek work as laborers or domestic helpers.