At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have reportedly lost their lives after a boat carrying over 300 individuals capsized off the coast of Djibouti, as stated by the United Nations’ migration agency.
The tragic incident occurred when the vessel, overloaded with 305 people heading from Djibouti to Yemen, flipped over near Guhere, just north of Obock, late on Thursday or early Friday, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
As of Sunday, there are still 84 individuals unaccounted for, although more than 80 managed to survive. All of the survivors are said to be Ethiopian, as per the agency’s reports.
“No one sets out on a boat like that unless they think there’s no other safe alternative,” remarked IOM Director General Amy Pope.
Pope continued, emphasizing the urgency of the situation: “We can’t keep treating these deaths as normal. Safe and legal pathways save lives. I urge governments and donors to intervene before we have another boat disaster.”
The current death toll is likely an underestimate, as it only includes those victims identified and buried by authorities in Djibouti. Alexandre Coissac, the IOM Chief of Mission there, mentioned that the count could increase as more bodies are confirmed. Some victims had been buried by other migrants but won’t be officially recognized until verified.
“It’s heartbreaking; they were buried without names, in a mass grave, similar to what you might see in a war. They all have families—mothers, fathers—and we may never know their stories,” Coissac lamented.
The boat reportedly sank shortly after departing on the evening of October 8, primarily due to being overcrowded.
Survivors are currently receiving medical treatment for issues such as swallowing seawater, along with psychological support, at an IOM center in Obock.
The journey from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula is a perilous route frequently taken by migrants seeking employment in Gulf nations. The IOM recorded over 900 migrants dead or missing along this route last year, highlighting the ongoing dangers.
“They’re all in a state of shock,” said Coissac.
