The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Sunday that a migrant boat capsized overnight off the coast of Djibouti in northeastern Africa, resulting in at least 109 deaths with 116 people still missing. The vessel, which authorities estimate was carrying approximately 350 individuals, sank near the town of Obock while en route to Yemen.
Rescue operations have yielded 80 survivors, all of whom are Ethiopian nationals. Among the deceased, 52 were men, 42 were women, and 15 were children. IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti, Alexandre Coissac, described the high death toll as “devastating,” emphasizing that the tragedy highlights the severe perils migrants face along this corridor as they seek economic opportunities.
The agency noted that the crossing is driven by poverty, regional insecurity, and the escalating impacts of climate change, despite growing instability in the Middle East. Djiboutian authorities continue to conduct search and rescue efforts as fears mount for the 116 individuals still unaccounted for.
Data from the IOM indicates a sharp increase in activity along this route, with more than 20,000 crossings detected from Djibouti to Yemen in the past month alone. The majority of those attempting the journey originate from Ethiopia and Somalia. Yemen remains engulfed in a civil war, and the passage is considered one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes. In 2025 alone, over 900 migrants died attempting the crossing.
Responding to the crisis, the IOM has urged international donors and partners to bolster support for Djibouti’s response, including funding for search and rescue operations and life-saving assistance.
The climate change angle mentioned in the article is key. People aren’t choosing this danger; they’re running out of options at home.
20,000 crossings in one month? This route is dangerously crowded. Why hasn’t the international community done more to stop it?
Heartbreaking news. The scale of this tragedy off Djibouti is absolutely devastating for the families involved.