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

At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, have died and dozens more are still missing following a tragic boat sinking off the coast of Djibouti. The vessel was carrying approximately 350 people when it capsized near the port town of Obock on a Thursday night. According to the International Organization for Migration, around 80 people were successfully rescued from the water, while search and rescue operations continued for those unaccounted for.

Among the bodies recovered were 52 men, 42 women, nine girls, and six boys, highlighting the devastating toll on families and vulnerable populations. Alexandre Coissac, the IOM's Djibouti mission chief, described the incident as a stark reminder of the immense dangers migrants face while seeking better opportunities and safety elsewhere. Local authorities quickly moved to arrange proper burials for the deceased victims, while survivors, all of whom are Ethiopian nationals, received necessary medical care and humanitarian assistance.

Tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa undertake this dangerous journey each year, hoping to reach Gulf countries through Yemen in search of work and safety. Despite Yemen remaining engulfed in a devastating civil war that has lasted for more than a decade, and widespread regional instability, individuals continue to brave the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Driven by extreme poverty, ongoing insecurity, and the worsening impacts of climate change, migration numbers along this corridor have continued to climb despite the obvious risks.

Data from the IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix indicates that thousands of movements from Ethiopia to Djibouti have been recorded recently, with an 18 percent increase in the total number of people attempting the perilous route compared to previous periods. The organization noted that more than 900 migrants either died or went missing along this exact migration path throughout the preceding year. Earlier incidents, such as a tragedy in March of the same year where nine people were killed and dozens went missing, further underscore the persistent dangers of these overcrowded and unsafe sea crossings.

In response to the recent disaster, the IOM has stepped up its support efforts, providing healthcare, food, and assistance to survivors at its response center in Obock. The agency is also actively working to help survivors restore contact with their families back home. Moving forward, the UN agency continues to collaborate closely with local authorities in Djibouti to support migrants, address immediate humanitarian needs, and implement measures aimed at preventing future tragedies both at sea and on land.