A devastating migrant boat disaster off the coast of Yemen has claimed the lives of at least 68 people, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a vessel carrying 157 individuals—primarily Ethiopian migrants across the perilous waters of the Red Sea.
As of Sunday night, only 12 survivors had been rescued, leaving over 70 others unaccounted for. The IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev, confirmed the fatality toll and emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the missing passengers’ fate.
Initial reports from local security officials in Yemen’s Abyan province had estimated the death toll at 27. The region, despite being marred by years of conflict, remains a common arrival point for boats smuggling migrants from the Horn of Africa.
Yemen continues to be a major corridor for migrants hoping to reach wealthier Gulf nations in search of work and safety. Many undertake the hazardous “Eastern Route” from Djibouti to Yemen, braving treacherous waters, poor vessel conditions, and the constant risk of abuse by smugglers.
Authorities in Abyan are currently engaged in recovery efforts to locate the bodies of those who perished in the wreck. The IOM has repeatedly raised concerns about the increasing dangers faced by migrants using this route. Just last month, eight people drowned after smugglers forced them into the sea prematurely.
In 2024 alone, the IOM documented at least 558 deaths on the Red Sea migration path, with 462 attributed to shipwrecks. Many of the survivors and stranded migrants in Yemen report facing harsh conditions, including exploitation and violence.
This latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action to address unsafe migration practices and to provide humanitarian assistance to those risking everything in pursuit of a better life.
