A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Djibouti when a boat carrying 350 migrants capsized near the port town of Obock on Thursday night. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that at least 109 people, including 15 children, lost their lives in the disaster. The boat was en route to Yemen, a journey that many migrants undertake in search of safety and work in Gulf countries.
According to the IOM, 80 people were rescued from the capsized boat, while the bodies of 52 men, 42 women, nine girls, and six boys were recovered. The survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, are receiving medical care, and local authorities are arranging burials for those who have died. IOM's Djibouti mission chief, Alexandre Coissac, described the tragedy as a "stark reminder" of the dangers faced by migrants seeking a new life.
The perilous journey across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Yemen is undertaken by tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa each year, driven by poverty, insecurity, and climate change. Despite the devastating civil war in Yemen, which has lasted over a decade, migrants continue to make this journey. The IOM reported that since September 10, its Displacement Tracking Matrix has observed over 20,000 movements from Ethiopia to Djibouti.
The IOM is providing assistance to 64 survivors at its response centre in Obock, including healthcare and support to restore contact with their families. The UN agency is working closely with local authorities to help migrants and prevent deaths at sea and on land. This incident serves as a devastating reminder of the risks migrants face, and the need for continued support and assistance.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident, as over 900 migrants died or went missing on the same route in 2025, with an 18% increase in the number of people attempting the journey. In March 2026, nine people were killed, and 45 were missing after a similar incident. The IOM is committed to providing support to migrants and working with local authorities to prevent such tragedies.
The survivors of the capsized boat are receiving medical care and support, and the IOM is working to restore contact with their families. The incident highlights the need for continued international cooperation and support to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety of migrants.
The IOM and local authorities are working together to provide assistance to the survivors and prevent future tragedies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants and the need for continued support and assistance to ensure their safety.
Key points
- At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, died in the boat capsizing off Djibouti's coast.
- The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants seeking a new life in Gulf countries.
- Over 900 migrants died or went missing on the same route in 2025.
