A boat carrying Ethiopian migrants from Djibouti capsized off Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Saturday off the coast of Yemen’s southwestern Taiz Governorate, amidst severe seasonal winds. The IOM stated that the victims included nine women and 11 men. The vessel was carrying 35 Ethiopian migrants along with a Yemeni captain and his assistant when it overturned.
Yemen’s coastal waters are considered among the most perilous migrant routes globally. According to the IOM, more than 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone, many seeking to reach Gulf countries in search of safety and better economic opportunities.
Harsh Realities of Migration
The IOM emphasized the dangers faced by migrants traveling through Yemen, who often endure exploitation, violence, and life-threatening conditions. “Saturday’s tragedy is a grim reminder of the treacherous journey migrants undertake in their pursuit of a better life,” said Abdusattor Esoev, the IOM’s chief of mission in Yemen.
Esoev urged the international community to address the underlying causes of irregular migration and to prioritize the protection of migrants’ lives and dignity.
Death Toll Along Migrant Routes
Since 2014, the IOM has documented 3,435 deaths and disappearances on the Yemen route, including 1,416 drownings. Yemen’s ongoing conflict, which began in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of key northern regions, has further exacerbated the dangers for migrants traveling through the region.
The tragedy highlights the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to address the risks associated with migration and provide sustainable solutions for those forced to undertake perilous journeys.