On a tragic Sunday, a boat carrying over 150 migrants capsized in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the death of more than 50 individuals off the coast of Yemen's Abyan province. Only 10 survivors have been found, with local authorities admitting that dozens are still unaccounted for, raising concerns about the ongoing migrant crisis in the region.
Many of the deceased are thought to be Ethiopian nationals, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which voiced its heartbreak over the incident. Yemen remains a crucial transit point for migrants from the Horn of Africa aiming to reach Gulf states for employment. The IOM estimates that hundreds have perished or disappeared in similar boat incidents over the recent months.
IOM Yemen chief Abdusattor Esoev reported that 54 bodies of migrants washed ashore in the Khanfar district, and an additional 14 victims were transported to the morgue in Zinjibar, the provincial capital. The Abyan security directorate announced that extensive search and rescue operations are ongoing, with numerous bodies discovered along the coastal area, as confirmed by the Associated Press.
The IOM expressed deep sorrow over the incident and stressed the pressing need for improved protective measures for migrants. A representative emphasized that this tragedy underlines the urgency for better safeguarding for those embarking on such treacherous journeys, which are often orchestrated by ruthless smugglers, taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.
Previously, the IOM characterized the migration route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen as one of the most dangerous and frequently traveled mixed migration paths. Just a few months ago, in March, two other boats capsized near Yemen's Dhubab district, with all but two crew members reported missing.
Migrants reaching Yemen's Response Points have reported a growing recklessness among human traffickers, who continue sending boats into unsafe waters to evade law enforcement. Despite the risks associated with this journey, migrant flows into Yemen remain significant, with over 60,000 arrivals recorded in 2024 alone. Over the past decade, the IOM's Missing Migrants Project has documented more than 3,400 individuals lost or deceased along this perilous route, with 1,400 attributed to drownings.
