At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, died in a boat disaster off Djibouti, with 84 still missing. The incident involved a vessel carrying 305 people from Djibouti to Yemen, which capsized near Obock. Survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, are receiving medical care as authorities work to identify and bury the deceased.
The capsized vessel was heading from Djibouti to Yemen with over 300 people on board. IOM officials confirmed 139 deaths, with 30 additional bodies recovered. The tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for those seeking economic opportunities in the Gulf.
IOM reports that over 20,000 migrants have moved through Djibouti from Ethiopia since September. The region remains volatile due to conflict in Yemen and rising instability, driving thousands to take perilous journeys. The incident underscores the ongoing crisis as migrants continue to face life-threatening conditions along the migration corridor.
The IOM has recorded over 900 deaths or missing persons along this route since 2025, with a 18% increase in attempts to cross. Djibouti, a key transit point, is also witnessing a surge in refugees fleeing Yemen due to the ongoing conflict.