rki.news | Source: Xinhua
ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 11: At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, have died and over 116 remain missing after a boat carrying 350 people capsized off Djibouti’s coast, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Sunday.
The boat was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen when it capsized overnight between Thursday and Friday. IOM teams are assisting local authorities with emergency support.
“This is a devastating loss of life,” said Alexandre Coissac, IOM chief of mission in Djibouti, expressing condolences to survivors and families awaiting news of missing relatives.
He said the tragedy highlighted the dangers migrants face while seeking economic opportunities along the route.
Of the 109 bodies recovered, 52 were men, 42 women and 15 children. More than 80 people survived, all Ethiopian nationals, according to the UN migration agency.
Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue operations as concerns grow for those missing. Local officials are providing medical care to survivors and arranging dignified burials for the deceased.
The incident is among several deadly boat accidents along Djibouti’s Red Sea coast. East African migrants attempt the dangerous crossing to Yemen, hoping to reach the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, despite the risks.
Djibouti Boat Capsizing Kills 109 Migrants, Over 116 Missing
