The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the vessel departed from Bossaso, Somalia, carrying 115 Somali and 145 Ethiopian nationals. Many of these migrants were fleeing conflict, drought, and economic hardships in their home countries. The boat capsized off the southern province of Shabwah on Monday, marking one of the deadliest incidents along this treacherous migration route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen.
Local authorities and community members, including fishermen, have been pivotal in recovering bodies and assisting survivors. So far, 71 individuals have been rescued, with eight requiring hospitalization for further medical treatment. The IOM has mobilized medical teams and psychologists to provide emergency care and mental health support for the survivors.
This incident underscores the extreme risks faced by migrants on this perilous journey. Despite the dangers, the number of migrants traveling through Yemen has increased significantly in recent years, tripling from 27,000 in 2021 to over 90,000 in 2023. Many aim to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations in search of better opportunities.
The IOM has recorded nearly 1,900 migrant deaths along the Eastern Route since 2014. The organization stresses the urgent need for international cooperation to address the challenges of irregular migration and improve safety measures for migrants.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dire circumstances forcing individuals to embark on such dangerous journeys and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration and provide safe pathways for those in need.
For more detailed information, refer to sources from the Gulf News and Xinhua.