Sana’a (Yemen), August 5: In a heart-wrenching tragedy off the coast of Yemen, only 12 out of 154 migrants aboard a capsized boat were rescued, while 142 are feared dead. All the passengers were reportedly from Ethiopia, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed through its Yemen chief Abdussattar Esoev.
According to AfrikaNews, a French-based news outlet operating from Lyon, the incident occurred in the Gulf of Aden. As per Esoev, despite intensive rescue efforts, only a dozen people could be saved. More than 68 bodies have been recovered so far, most of them found along the Khunfah coast in western Yemen.
Massive Search and Rescue Operation Launched
In response to the disaster, the Abyan Security Directorate launched a large-scale search and rescue operation. The IOM and local authorities continue to search for the remaining bodies. The tragedy has once again highlighted the extreme dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Red Sea in search of better opportunities.
One of the Deadliest Migration Routes
Every year, thousands of migrants — mostly from Ethiopia — travel from the Horn of Africa across the Red Sea to Yemen, hoping to eventually reach Gulf nations for work. According to the Joint Migration Centre, this route is among the most dangerous migration paths in the world.
In March 2024, four boats capsized between Djibouti and Yemen, resulting in 186 African migrants going missing. With 550 migrant deaths reported so far this year, 2024 has been one of the deadliest years in recent memory for migrant crossings in the region.
The ongoing civil war in Yemen has further worsened the humanitarian crisis and increased safety risks for migrants, the Joint Migration Centre added.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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