139 confirmed dead, 84 missing after migrant boat capsizes off Djibouti

Search and rescue operations are ongoing after a vessel carrying more than 300 people capsized near Guhere, off the coast of Djibouti. According to the United Nations migration agency, at least 139 people, including 15 children, have died, and 84 are reported missing following the incident that occurred from Thursday night to before dawn on Friday. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the boat was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen. More than 80 survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, were rescued as Djiboutian authorities continued their search and rescue efforts. IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti, Alexandre Coissac, stated, "Our teams are on the ground alongside local authorities to provide emergency assistance," expressing concern over the significant loss of life. The reported death toll only includes those buried by authorities in Djibouti, while others buried by migrants themselves will not be counted until verified by authorities, Coissac added. He described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants along this route in search of economic opportunities. The Bab al-Mandeb strait, which measures approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) at its narrowest point, is a common but perilous route for thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa. Many undertake this journey seeking employment and safety in Gulf countries, despite the increasing instability in the region due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran and renewed fighting in Yemen. The IOM noted that it recorded over 20,000 movements to Djibouti from Ethiopia since September 10. Last year, over half a million people attempted to travel along this route into Yemen, with at least 900 reported dead or missing. Djibouti serves as both a departure point for migrants and a refuge for those fleeing renewed conflict in Yemen.