At least 139 migrants died after their boat sank off the coast of Djibouti overnight on October 8-9, according to a United Nations agency. Initially, the toll was reported at 109, including 15 children, with around 116 missing. The updated figures include an additional 30 bodies found, leaving 84 people still unaccounted for.
Survivors revealed that the vessel, carrying 350 people from Djibouti to Yemen, capsized north of the Djiboutian town of Obock. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has deployed teams to provide emergency assistance in coordination with local authorities.
“This is a devastating loss of life. Our thoughts are with the survivors and the families who have lost loved ones or remain without news of their relatives,” said Alexandre Coissac, IOM chief of mission in Djibouti.
Among the deceased were at least 52 men, 42 women, and 15 children—nine girls and six boys. More than 80 survivors, all from Ethiopia, were rescued from the wreck.
The IOM highlighted that poverty, insecurity, and the effects of climate change are pushing many to undertake such perilous journeys, despite increasing instability across the Middle East.
