Shipwreck in the Gulf of Aden: At least 109 migrants have died, while another 116 are missing after a boat capsized

At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, have died, while more than 116 are missing after a boat carrying approximately 305 people capsized in the Gulf of Aden while sailing from Djibouti to Yemen. The shipwreck occurred on the night of October 8–9, near the town of Guhere, north of the port of Obock, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More than 80 people survived, all of them Ethiopian nationals. Among the recovered victims, 52 were men, 42 women and 15 children: nine girls and six boys. Djiboutian authorities continue search and rescue operations, provide medical care to survivors and are handling the burial of those who died.

IOM teams are supporting local authorities at the scene. The organization is drawing attention to the risks along the route used annually by tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa, who cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the hope of reaching the Gulf countries.

The tragedy comes amid the worsening crisis in Yemen, where the number of displaced people has risen from 76,000 in mid-September to approximately 200,000. By last week, more than 3,700 people had fled by sea from Yemen to Djibouti.