At least 68 Ethiopian migrants have died and 74 others remain missing after a crowded boat capsized off the southern coast of Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessel, carrying over 150 people—mostly young Ethiopian migrants—was attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden when it sank near the coast of Abyan province early Sunday.
Local officials confirmed that only 12 survivors have been rescued so far, while dozens of bodies have washed ashore in Khanfar district. Many more are believed to have drowned, with search and recovery operations ongoing.
The IOM noted that this route continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors, with tens of thousands of Africans risking their lives each year trying to reach Gulf countries via Yemen. Over 60,000 African migrants reportedly entered Yemen in 2024 alone.
This latest tragedy highlights the deepening humanitarian toll of illegal migration, driven not only by economic desperation but also by political instability and conflict in Ethiopia. Reports suggest a surge in young people fleeing the Tigray region to escape forced recruitment by the TPLF amid renewed fears of conflict.
Despite multiple fatal incidents in recent years, including a deadly March shipwreck that left over 180 migrants dead or missing, the Ethiopian government has yet to comment on the latest loss of life.
