Rescue efforts are ongoing in Abyan province, where local authorities report that 54 bodies have been recovered. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) condemns the event as a tragic reminder of the perils faced by those seeking better futures.
Tragedy Strikes as Over 50 Migrants Perish in Yemen Boat Capsize
Tragedy Strikes as Over 50 Migrants Perish in Yemen Boat Capsize
More than 150 migrants were on board a vessel that sank in treacherous waters off Yemen's coast this Sunday, leading to a significant loss of life.
The boat carrying over 150 migrants sank in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people. According to local officials, only 10 survivors have been rescued, while numerous others remain unaccounted for. Many victims were reportedly Ethiopian nationals, highlighting the perilous nature of migration through Yemen.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the incident as "heartbreaking," emphasizing the urgent need for better protections for migrants who undertake dangerous journeys. Abdusattor Esoev, IOM's Yemen chief, confirmed that the bodies of 54 migrants were found washed ashore in the southern district of Khanfar, with 14 additional bodies taken to Zinjibar's hospital morgue.
A statement from the Abyan security directorate noted that a large-scale search and rescue operation was underway, with many bodies discovered across a broad stretch of coastline. The IOM expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable migrants by human traffickers.
The journey from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is one of the most perilous migration routes, with a history of shipwrecks and fatalities. In recent months, hundreds have died or gone missing during similar crossings. The IOM reported that in March, two ships sank off Yemen's Dhubab district, with only two crew members rescued, leading to fears of significant loss of life.
Despite the dangers and reckless practices of smugglers sending boats into treacherous waters to avoid patrols, over 60,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen in the current year alone. Over the past decade, the IOM's Missing Migrants Project has documented more than 3,400 migrant deaths or disappearances along this route, with approximately 1,400 fatalities attributed to drowning.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the incident as "heartbreaking," emphasizing the urgent need for better protections for migrants who undertake dangerous journeys. Abdusattor Esoev, IOM's Yemen chief, confirmed that the bodies of 54 migrants were found washed ashore in the southern district of Khanfar, with 14 additional bodies taken to Zinjibar's hospital morgue.
A statement from the Abyan security directorate noted that a large-scale search and rescue operation was underway, with many bodies discovered across a broad stretch of coastline. The IOM expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable migrants by human traffickers.
The journey from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is one of the most perilous migration routes, with a history of shipwrecks and fatalities. In recent months, hundreds have died or gone missing during similar crossings. The IOM reported that in March, two ships sank off Yemen's Dhubab district, with only two crew members rescued, leading to fears of significant loss of life.
Despite the dangers and reckless practices of smugglers sending boats into treacherous waters to avoid patrols, over 60,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen in the current year alone. Over the past decade, the IOM's Missing Migrants Project has documented more than 3,400 migrant deaths or disappearances along this route, with approximately 1,400 fatalities attributed to drowning.
