Tragedy struck as a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Yemen, leaving 13 people dead and 14 missing. The vessel, carrying Ethiopian migrants and Yemeni nationals, departed from Djibouti, facing the dangers of the perilous migration route. Search operations are ongoing to locate the missing individuals, including the Yemeni captain and his assistant.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted the risks faced by migrants on this journey, as they seek to escape conflict, natural disasters, or poor economic conditions. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the shipwreck, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges encountered by those attempting to reach the oil-rich Gulf region.
In 2023, over 97,200 migrants arrived in Yemen, surpassing the previous year’s numbers. The latest tragedy follows similar incidents in June and July, further highlighting the dangers migrants face. With Yemen embroiled in civil war, migrants who do reach the country often encounter additional threats to their safety while pursuing opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.