68 Dead, 74 Missing After Boat Carrying African Migrants Capsizes Off Yemen Coast
- A boat carrying Ethiopian migrants capsized in the Gulf of Aden, claiming dozens of lives
- Only a handful survived the disaster as search efforts continue along Yemen's southern coast
- The tragedy adds to a rising number of deadly migrant journeys despite ongoing conflict in Yemen
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A migrant journey that began with hope ended in heartbreak after a boat capsized off Yemen's southern coast, killing at least 68 Ethiopian nationals.
Source: Getty Images
The vessel was carrying 154 people when it sank early Sunday morning in the Gulf of Aden, near Abyan province, according to the United Nations' International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The agency’s head in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev, confirmed that 54 bodies were recovered on the shores of Khanfar district, while another 14 were found and transported to the morgue at a hospital in Zinjibar, the provincial capital.
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Only 12 individuals were rescued, with 74 still unaccounted for and feared dead, as reported by CNN.
Authorities in Abyan launched a major rescue operation following the incident, describing a large-scale response to recover victims scattered across a wide area of the coastline.
The IOM said the incident marks yet another deadly migrant tragedy along the dangerous route to the Gulf region.
Why are Africans crossing over to Asia?
Despite over a decade of war and instability in Yemen, the country remains a key transit point for migrants from East Africa and the Horn of Africa seeking work in wealthier Gulf nations.
Many make the perilous crossing aboard overcrowded, poorly maintained boats operated by human smugglers.
In recent months, the region has witnessed a spike in such disasters. In March alone, two migrants drowned and 186 were reported missing when four boats capsized between Yemen and Djibouti.
According to IOM data, more than 60,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen in 2024. This marks a decrease from the 97,200 recorded in 2023, likely due to increased coastal patrols and maritime surveillance in the area.
Over 100 missing after migrant boat capsizes
In 2024, a similar boat carrying around 250 people, most of them Ethiopian nationals, capsized off the coast of Yemen.
The tragedy occurred on June 10, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least 38 individuals.
Local fishermen and residents managed to rescue 78 people from the waters, but more than 100 others were still unaccounted for.
Strong winds were believed to have contributed to the accident, which happened before the vessel could reach the shore.
Source: UGC
Kilifi fishermen trapped in Indian Ocean
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that a boat carrying 19 fishermen capsized off the Kwale coast after it was struck by powerful waves from the Indian Ocean.
The incident unfolded near Vanga in Lunga Lunga Constituency, where the vessel was overwhelmed before it could reach calmer waters.
Coastal guards and local authorities mounted an immediate response, rushing to the scene and pulling all occupants from the turbulent sea.
Every fisherman on board was brought safely ashore, avoiding what could have been a far worse tragedy.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
