August 5, 2025:
At least 68 Ethiopian migrants have died after a boat carrying around 150 people capsized off the coast of southern Yemen, according to Yemeni health and security officials. The incident occurred late Saturday night near the province of Abyan, a region frequently used by human smugglers operating along the Gulf of Aden.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed the death toll in a statement on Sunday, adding that 12 survivors have been rescued. Dozens more remain missing, and search and recovery efforts are underway.
The migrants were reportedly attempting to reach Gulf nations via Yemen, a common but extremely dangerous migration route from the Horn of Africa. The cause of the capsizing has not been officially confirmed, but officials believe the boat was overcrowded and lacked basic safety equipment.
“This tragedy is yet another reminder of the peril faced by migrants who risk everything for a better life,” the IOM said in its statement. The organization is currently providing emergency aid, medical support, and shelter to the survivors.
Local sources indicate that the boat departed from Somalia or Djibouti and was attempting to land along Yemen’s southern coastline, a known entry point for thousands of migrants each year. Abyan, the site of the disaster, is a conflict-affected area with limited infrastructure, further complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Yemeni authorities and humanitarian agencies are continuing efforts to identify the victims and provide proper burials. Meanwhile, the IOM and other organizations are calling for increased regional cooperation to tackle the growing migrant crisis and prevent future tragedies.
“This route continues to claim lives each month,” said a spokesperson from Human Rights Watch. “Governments in the region must increase patrols, crack down on smuggling networks, and provide safer alternatives for migration.”
Despite years of conflict in Yemen, the country remains a major transit point for migrants seeking to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Most are fleeing economic hardship, political instability, or violence in their home countries, particularly in Ethiopia and Somalia.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned about the dangers faced by migrants crossing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with many subjected to trafficking, abuse, and exploitation during the journey.
This incident marks one of the deadliest migrant disasters in the region this year and comes amid rising concerns over the growing number of deaths along irregular migration routes.
