At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, died in a boat disaster off Djibouti, with 84 missing. The capsized vessel, carrying 305 people, sank near Obock during the night of October 8-9. The UN's IOM reports the tragedy highlights the dangers of the migration route to Yemen and Gulf nations.
The incident occurred as Ethiopia and Yemen face ongoing conflicts, with migrants seeking economic opportunities in the region. IOM officials note the increase in maritime crossings, with over 20,000 attempts in the past month, and over 900 deaths in 2025. Survivors include 80 Ethiopians, with 52 men, 42 women, and 15 children recovered.
IOM calls for international support to aid Djibouti's rescue efforts, emphasizing the need for search and rescue operations and life-saving assistance. The crisis underscores the challenges faced by migrants along the Eastern Route, with rising risks of accidents, trafficking, and arbitrary arrests. The IOM warns of continued instability in the region affecting migration patterns.
A separate incident in Turkey resulted in 11 deaths from a bus crash, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns in the region. The IOM also notes the impact of climate change and drought on migration, with Ethiopians and Somalis primarily affected by the crisis.