Children among 109 dead after boat capsizes off Djibouti, UN says

At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, lost their lives when a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The tragic incident occurred on Thursday night when the vessel carrying 350 people capsized near the port town of Obock. Around 80 individuals were rescued, while dozens remain missing.

IOM mission chief Alexandre Coissac in Djibouti described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers migrants face in their pursuit of a better life. The organization reported that 52 men, 42 women, nine girls, and six boys were among the deceased. Coissac expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and extended his condolences to the survivors and families of those who have lost loved ones.

Local authorities are conducting burials for the deceased, while survivors - all Ethiopian nationals - are receiving medical care at a response center in Obock. Yemen has been plagued by a decade-long civil war, and despite ongoing instability, migrants continue to risk their lives crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to seek safety and work in the Gulf countries.

Since September 10, the IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix has recorded over 20,000 movements from Ethiopia to Djibouti. The organization is providing assistance to 64 survivors at its response center, including healthcare and support for reconnecting with family members. The UN agency is collaborating closely with local authorities to prevent future deaths at sea and on land.

According to IOM data, more than 900 migrants have died or gone missing on the same route in 2025, marking an 18% increase in the number of individuals attempting the perilous journey. In March 2026, a similar incident claimed the lives of nine people and left 45 missing.