In a devastating incident off the coast of Djibouti, at least 16 lives have been tragically lost, with 28 individuals still unaccounted for, following the capsizing of a migrant boat. This heartbreaking event unfolds merely two weeks after a similar catastrophe claimed numerous lives in the same region. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed the grim toll, highlighting the ongoing peril faced by migrants seeking refuge and a better life.
The precise timing of the latest disaster remains unspecified, but reports indicate that the ill-fated vessel was carrying 77 migrants, including children, when it capsized. The local branch of the IOM is actively engaged in supporting search and rescue efforts alongside authorities in Djibouti.
This recent tragedy adds to a string of maritime disasters in the region. Just earlier this month, another boat, carrying over 60 individuals, sank off the coast of Godoria in northeast Djibouti. The IOM, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti, confirmed that 38 bodies, including those of children, were recovered from the waters, with six individuals still reported missing.
The migrants aboard these vessels often embark on perilous journeys, hoping to reach Yemen from Djibouti. However, these voyages frequently end in tragedy, underscoring the desperate risks individuals take in pursuit of safety and opportunity. The loss of life in these incidents serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced measures to address the underlying causes of migration and to ensure the safety and well-being of those seeking refuge.