The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed a heartbreaking tragedy off the southern coast of Yemen, where 20 Ethiopian migrants, including nine women and 11 men, lost their lives when their boat capsized. The incident took place over the weekend and involved a vessel carrying 35 Ethiopian migrants, along with a Yemeni captain and an assistant. The boat had departed from Djibouti, heading towards Yemen, when it capsized amid strong seasonal winds near Al-Hajjajah in Taiz Governorate, Yemen.
According to the IOM’s report, the survivors of the incident managed to make it to shore, though the boat disaster claimed the lives of the others. The IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev, expressed deep concern over the tragedy, calling it a grim reminder of the dangerous conditions that migrants face in their search for safety and a better life. The IOM further emphasized the urgent need for the international community to take action and address the root causes of irregular migration while prioritizing the protection and dignity of migrants.
Yemen’s coastal waters are known to be among the most perilous in the world for migrants, particularly those attempting to cross from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. In 2024 alone, over 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen, fleeing war, poverty, and instability in their home countries. Tragically, since 2014, more than 3,400 deaths and disappearances have been recorded along the Eastern Route, with a significant portion of these deaths caused by drowning in the treacherous waters.
The IOM’s ongoing monitoring of migration routes in the region highlights the significant risks migrants face when traveling through Yemen. The organization has been working on raising awareness about these dangers and urging governments and international organizations to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of migrants. According to IOM statistics, the Eastern Route remains one of the deadliest paths for migrants seeking a better life, with many families being torn apart by the loss of loved ones.
The IOM has also stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address the broader issues surrounding irregular migration. While immediate actions to safeguard migrants are crucial, addressing the underlying factors that drive people to embark on these dangerous journeys is equally important. Issues such as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities continue to force individuals to take desperate measures in search of safety and a better future.
In addition to its humanitarian efforts, the IOM has been calling for greater investment in migration data collection and research to better understand the patterns and causes of irregular migration. This data is essential in developing policies and interventions that can help prevent future tragedies like the one off Yemen’s coast. The IOM’s work in the region includes providing support to survivors, helping to reunite families, and offering assistance to migrants who wish to return to their home countries.
The loss of 20 lives in this tragic boat accident is a serious reminder of the need for a coordinated global response to the migration crisis. As the IOM continues to call for more comprehensive action, it is clear that the international community must come together to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of migrants, while addressing the root causes that push people to risk their lives in search of a better future.