Women and Children Among 109 Dead in Migrant Boat Disaster off Djibouti

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DJIBOUTI: At least 109 people were killed and 116 remain missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Djibouti in northeastern Africa. Another 80 people were rescued, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM). The bodies recovered so far include 52 men, 42 women and 15 children. All 80 survivors are Ethiopian nationals.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the IOM said the boat capsized overnight near Obock, Djibouti, while travelling towards Yemen. The vessel was estimated to have been carrying around 350 people.

Migrants Face Deadly Risks in Search of a Better Life Alexandre Coissac, the IOM’s Chief of Mission in Djibouti, described the loss of life as devastating, saying the tragedy highlighted the dangers migrants face along this route while seeking economic opportunities.

Migrants attempt to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to reach Yemen and, eventually, Gulf countries. However, the journey exposes them to serious risks at sea.

According to the IOM, poverty, insecurity and the growing effects of climate change are pushing people to undertake these dangerous journeys, despite increasing instability across the Middle East.

Search and Rescue Operations Continue The UN agency said Djiboutian authorities were continuing search and rescue operations as concerns grew for the 116 people still missing.

The IOM reported more than 20,000 migrant movements from Djibouti to Yemen over the past month. Yemen continues to face a prolonged and devastating civil conflict.

More Than 900 Migrants Died on the Route in 2025 According to IOM figures, more than 900 migrants died while attempting to cross this maritime route in 2025. Most people undertaking the journey originate from Ethiopia and Somalia.

The agency urged donors and partner organisations to increase support for Djibouti’s response, including search and rescue operations and the provision of life-saving assistance to migrants.