In brief
At least 2 individuals have died and 186 are unaccounted for after four migrant boats capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants seeking better opportunities in the Gulf.
Yemen — A harrowing situation has unfolded as at least two migrants have lost their lives and 186 others remain missing after four boats capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti late Thursday. The International Organization for Migration (I.O.M.) confirmed that two vessels sank in Yemeni waters while another two capsized near Djibouti, driven by fierce winds.Rescuers managed to save two crew members from the Yemen capsized boats, but a staggering 181 migrants and five Yemeni crew are still missing. In Djibouti, two bodies were recovered, yet all others onboard were successfully rescued. Yemen stands as a significant route for migrants from East Africa making their way to Gulf nations for work. The perilous journey often involves overcrowded boats operated by smugglers. According to I.O.M. reports, nearly 97,200 migrants attempted this route in 2023 — a stark increase from previous years. Unfortunately, in the past decade, over 2,000 migrants have gone missing in these treacherous waters, shedding light on the immense risks taken by those seeking a better life.
