At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have died after an overcrowded boat carrying more than 300 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti while travelling towards Yemen. Dozens of others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Overcrowded Boat Capsizes Near Obock
The tragedy occurred during the night of October 8 into October 9, 2026, near Guhere, north of Obock, a port town in Djibouti. The vessel was carrying 305 people when it overturned shortly after departing for Yemen, according to survivor accounts reported by the IOM.
Authorities have confirmed at least 139 deaths, while approximately 84 people remain missing. About 82 passengers survived the disaster, and all those rescued were Ethiopian nationals. The death toll could rise as recovery operations continue and officials work to establish the full number of victims.
Alexandre Coissac, the IOM’s chief of mission in Djibouti, said the boat sank close to the shore, with overcrowding believed to have contributed to the disaster.
The scale of the tragedy has overwhelmed local authorities, while the recovery of bodies has created additional challenges. Some victims were buried by authorities, while others were reportedly buried by fellow migrants. Officials must verify those deaths before adding them to the official toll.
Survivors Receive Emergency Assistance
The IOM is working alongside Djiboutian authorities to provide emergency assistance to survivors, including medical treatment, psychological support and help contacting their families.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers faced by migrants travelling from the Horn of Africa towards the Arabian Peninsula in search of employment, safety and better living conditions.
Djibouti serves as a major transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into Yemen before continuing towards wealthier Gulf countries. However, the journey exposes travellers to serious risks, including shipwrecks, exploitation, trafficking and dangerous conditions at sea.
Calls for Safer Migration Routes
The latest disaster highlights the urgent need for safer and legal migration pathways. Thousands continue to undertake dangerous journeys despite the risks, often driven by poverty, insecurity and environmental pressures.
The IOM has called on governments and international donors to strengthen efforts to prevent further loss of life and improve access to safe migration options.
With dozens still unaccounted for, families face uncertainty as rescue teams continue their work. The disaster stands as another devastating reminder of the human cost of irregular migration and the urgent need for coordinated international action.
Swifteradio.com
