What happened
A boat carrying 305 people from Djibouti to Yemen capsized near the port town of Obock, resulting in the deaths of at least 139 migrants, including 15 children. The incident occurred on Thursday night, and around 82 people were rescued. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa make this perilous journey each year, seeking safety and work in Gulf countries.
The IOM's Djibouti mission chief described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers migrants face. Local authorities are arranging burials for the deceased, while survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, are receiving medical care. The IOM is providing assistance to 64 of the survivors, including healthcare and support to restore contact with their families.
The incident is not an isolated one, as more than 900 migrants died or went missing taking the same route in 2025. The conflict in Yemen has displaced over 130,000 people, with thousands fleeing to Djibouti to escape the civil war. The IOM is working with local authorities to help migrants and prevent deaths at sea and on land.
