Migrant Boats Capsize off Djibouti, Claiming 45 Lives1 min read
At least 45 individuals have perished and many remain unaccounted for following two separate migrant boat tragedies near Djibouti.
These heartbreaking incidents, occurring in the Red Sea, underscore the dangers faced by migrants traversing the Eastern Route from Africa in search of a better future.
The ill-fated vessels, each carrying 310 people, set sail from Yemen.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 32 survivors have been rescued thus far, as search and rescue operations persist. Djibouti’s coastguard indicated that the accidents took place approximately 150 meters off the beach near the Khor Angar area.
A coordinated rescue mission, involving Djibouti’s coastguard and the French navy among other agencies, commenced early Monday morning, with the French navy rescuing 115 people.
The IOM is dedicated to locating those still missing and ensuring the safety of the survivors.
Every year, tens of thousands of migrants undertake the treacherous journey across the Red Sea, fleeing conflict, natural disasters, and economic challenges in the Horn of Africa, in hopes of reaching employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.
Yemen, beset by a decade-long civil war, poses additional risks for migrants. This tragedy follows a previous incident in April that claimed 24 lives when another boat capsized near Obock, Djibouti. The recent disasters highlight a disturbing trend, as more people are attempting to return to Djibouti from Yemen.
