NEWS & POLITICS
68 African Migrants Die in Yemen Boat Tragedy
At least 68 African migrants are confirmed dead, and more than 70 remain unaccounted for after a vessel sank off Yemen's southern coast on Sunday morning. Authorities say the boat, which was carrying 154 people—predominantly from Ethiopia—was bound for Gulf states, part of a perilous journey in pursuit of work and a better life.
Enos Denhere
The tragedy happened in the Gulf of Aden near Abyan province. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), only 12 people survived. Yemeni officials say 54 bodies were found on the beaches of Khanfar district, while 14 more were taken to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, Abyan’s capital.
Rescue operations continue along the coastline, though authorities acknowledge that hopes of finding additional survivors are rapidly diminishing.
Every year, thousands of migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia risk their lives on this dangerous sea route, fleeing poverty, violence, and unemployment at home. Many fall into the hands of smugglers who pack them into unsafe boats and send them across the Gulf.
“The vessel followed a dangerous path often used by smugglers,” said IOM’s chief in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev. He called for stronger laws to protect migrants from traffickers and prevent further tragedies.
This tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly incidents. In March, two boats carrying more than 180 migrants capsized off Yemen’s Dhubab coast, leaving only two crew members alive.
Many report smugglers using more dangerous tactics to avoid patrols, ignoring weather conditions and overcrowding boats.
Yemen's profound instability, stemming from the civil war that began in 2014, results in harsh conditions for both migrants and locals, particularly in areas controlled by Houthi rebels.
IOM says over 3,400 people have died or gone missing on this route in the past decade, with most deaths caused by drowning.
