A migrant boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that 109 people died in this incident, and 116 are still missing. The boat, which is estimated to have been carrying 350 people, sank near Obock, Djibouti while heading towards Yemen.
Details of the Incident
In a statement, Alexander Kouassach, head of the IOM office in Djibouti, described the incident as "devastating" and added: "This tragedy is a reminder of the dangers of migration in this migration corridor that individuals turn to in search of economic opportunities." The boat was attempting to cross from the Bab al-Mandab Strait to Yemen and the Gulf countries.
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Reasons for Migration and Search Status
According to IOM, poverty, insecurity, and the increasing impacts of climate change drive many towards this journey, although instability in the Middle East also affects this situation. IOM representatives stated that Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue operations, and concerns about those still missing are growing.
The International Organization for Migration has reported that over 20,000 crossings from Djibouti to Yemen were recorded last month. In 2025, over 900 migrants lost their lives attempting to cross this route. Most of those trying to cross this route are from Ethiopia and Somalia, and all 80 individuals rescued from the capsized boat are Ethiopian citizens.
Assistance to Djibouti
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on its supporters and partners to strengthen their support for Djibouti's response, including in search and rescue operations and life-saving assistance. Among the recovered bodies, 52 were men, 42 were women, and 15 were children.
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