Dozens of migrants die in boat capsize off Yemen

Mass Drowning Off Yemeni Coast
At least 68 migrants have been confirmed dead in Yemen after their overcrowded boat capsized off the southern coast of Yemen’s Abyan province on Sunday. The tragic incident occurred amid bad weather conditions, causing panic and leading to the vessel overturning. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), only 12 individuals were rescued from the 157 people on board, leaving dozens still unaccounted for.

Majority of Victims Are Ethiopians
IOM Yemen chief Abdusattor Esoev confirmed that the majority of the victims were Ethiopian nationals. These migrants had embarked on the treacherous journey in search of better economic opportunities in Gulf nations. The ethnic makeup of the group underscores a long-standing migration pattern between Ethiopia and Yemen, often facilitated by people smugglers exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Search-and-Rescue Efforts Underway
A large-scale search-and-rescue operation has been launched by local authorities in Abyan. Officials say bodies are being recovered along a wide stretch of shoreline, and teams continue to search for survivors or additional victims. The operation remains challenging due to the terrain and unpredictable coastal waters.

Perilous Route Known for Smuggling
The area where the tragedy occurred is widely known as a major route for human smugglers, especially between the Horn of Africa and Yemen. Mr Esoev emphasized the inherent risks associated with this path, noting that it is “dangerous and unmonitored,” often used to bypass border patrols. He reiterated the urgent need to tackle smuggling networks that lure desperate individuals into hazardous conditions.

Call for Legal Migration Pathways
The IOM is advocating for legal migration alternatives to curb the number of deaths at sea. “We are calling on member states to enhance regular pathways so people can take legal routes to migrate,” Mr Esoev said. He stressed that stronger legal frameworks and safer channels would reduce the influence of smugglers and prevent future disasters.

A Growing Pattern of Deadly Incidents

This is not the first fatal shipwreck off Yemen’s shores in 2024. In March, two boats carrying over 180 migrants sank near Dhubab district due to similarly rough sea conditions. Only two crew members were rescued, and many bodies were never found. These repeated tragedies expose the growing recklessness of smugglers and the increasing desperation of migrants.

Smugglers Growing More Reckless
According to an IOM report, many smugglers are now intentionally launching boats in dangerous conditions to avoid being caught by authorities. Migrants arriving at Yemen’s Migrant Response Points have detailed how boats are often overcrowded and poorly equipped, putting lives at high risk. The increased danger has done little to deter people from making the trip.

Tens of Thousands Still Attempt the Crossing
Despite the evident risks, the flow of migrants into Yemen continues, with more than 60,000 arrivals recorded in 2024 alone. Most of these migrants are en route to Saudi Arabia, lured by the hope of employment. The journey, however, remains among the most dangerous migration routes globally, according to the IOM.

Over a Decade of Tragedy on the Route
Over the past ten years, the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded over 3,400 deaths or disappearances along the Horn of Africa Yemen corridor. Of these, more than 1,400 were due to drowning. These figures are believed to be underestimates, as many incidents go unreported or are discovered too late.

Yemen’s War Adds to the Crisis
Yemen’s ongoing civil war only compounds the crisis. Since 2014, the Iran-backed Houthi group has controlled much of north-western Yemen after forcing out the internationally recognized government. The instability has made it harder to enforce migration laws or coordinate humanitarian responses, leaving thousands vulnerable to abuse and death.

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