139 migrants, including children, die after boat capsizes off Djibouti

GENEVA — A boat carrying over 300 migrants capsized near the coast of Djibouti, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 139 lives, including children, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Alexandre Coissac, IOM's Chief of Mission in Djibouti, confirmed the figure includes only those who were buried by authorities.

The remaining bodies have yet to be added to the official count, as they await verification by the authorities. Coissac expressed the heart-wrenching reality of the situation, stating that the migrants were interred without identification "in a common grave, like in a war situation." He emphasized that each of the victims had a family, and their identities may remain unknown forever.

The migrants embarked on their perilous journey in the evening of October 8, and the vessel sank swiftly close to the shore, primarily due to its overcrowded state. Coissac acknowledged the efforts of local authorities but highlighted their inability to cope with the overwhelming number of bodies that washed ashore simultaneously.

Survivors were subsequently transported to the IOM rescue center in Obo, where they could receive assistance and care.