At least 139 migrants, including children, dead after boat from Djibouti to Yemen capsizes

At least 139 migrants, including at least 15 children, perished and around 84 remain missing following a boat capsizing while en route from Djibouti to Yemen, according to the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The vessel, carrying over 300 individuals, overturned near Guhere, a port town north of Obock in Djibouti, during the night of October 8-9, as stated by the IOM, based on survivor accounts.

Approximately 82 individuals survived the tragic incident. Images shared by the UN agency showcased worn-out footwear washed ashore. IOM Djibouti Chief of Mission Alexandre Coissac emphasized that emergency assistance was being provided on the ground alongside local authorities. He noted that this incident underscores the perilous nature of the migration journey undertaken by migrants seeking economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, Djiboutian authorities are persisting with search and rescue efforts, offering medical care to survivors, and organizing burials for the deceased. The IOM statement also highlighted that the migrants were en route to Yemen, with aspirations of eventually reaching wealthier Gulf nations, despite Yemen itself grappling with a severe escalation of conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Houthis since a UN-brokered truce in 2022.

The IOM stressed that even amidst the ongoing violence in Yemen, migrants still endeavor the hazardous journey towards the Gulf countries. Additionally, fighting has erupted in Ethiopia since the beginning of the month, marking the most significant increase in violence since the 2020-2022 Tigray war. The UN agency reported that the Eastern Route through Djibouti continues to see heavy traffic of migrants, despite fluctuating conditions in Ethiopia and Yemen.

Ethiopian migrants interviewed by the IOM indicated that they left their country due to challenging living conditions, including the effects of drought and reports of conflict and forced recruitment by armed forces. However, the rebels have denied engaging in forced recruitment. The conflict has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of all-out war, with Ethiopia and Eritrea severing relations over alleged Eritrean support for the rebel alliance seeking to overthrow Ethiopia’s government.

Eritrea has rejected these allegations. The Eastern Route is fraught with risks, including maritime accidents, trafficking, and arbitrary arrests upon arrival. In 2025 alone, over 900 migrants have died or gone missing along the route, with the number of individuals undertaking the journey rising by 18%, according to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project.

The crisis prompted by the Yemeni conflict has intensified, with displacement figures surging to 200,000 from 76,000 in mid-September, according to data released by the agency. Over 3,700 individuals have fled Yemen by sea to Djibouti as of the last week.