More than 60 migrants have died and dozens remain missing after a boat carrying around 150 people capsized off the coast of southern Yemen on Sunday amid rough weather conditions.
The incident occurred off Abyan province, where 68 bodies have so far been recovered, according to Abdusattor Esoev, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Yemen. Only 12 survivors have been rescued, while many others are still unaccounted for.
Most of the victims are believed to be Ethiopian nationals. The IOM described the tragedy as “heartbreaking” and highlighted the increasing dangers faced by migrants crossing from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula in search of better opportunities.
The vessel was reportedly carrying approximately 157 people along a well-known but perilous smuggling route. According to the IOM, bodies of 54 victims were found along the shore in Khanfar district, while 14 others were taken to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, the provincial capital.
Yemen continues to serve as a key transit point for migrants heading to Gulf countries, despite the high risk of drowning and exploitation. The IOM estimates that hundreds of people have died or gone missing in recent months on similar crossings.
Abyan authorities have launched a large-scale search and recovery operation along the coastline. The IOM, expressing deep sorrow, reiterated the urgent need for improved protections and legal pathways for migrants to prevent such tragedies.
“This devastating event highlights the urgent need to strengthen legal migration channels and crack down on smugglers who prey on vulnerable individuals,” said Esoev.
Earlier this year, more than 180 migrants were feared dead after two boats sank off Yemen’s Dhubab district. Reports suggest smugglers are increasingly sending boats out in dangerous conditions to evade patrols.
Despite ongoing risks, over 60,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone. According to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, over the past decade, more than 3,400 migrants have died or gone missing on this route — with 1,400 deaths attributed to drowning.
