109 Migrants, Including 15 Children, Die in Djibouti Boat Capsizing

A small boat carrying 350 people attempting a crossing from Djibouti toward Yemen tipped over in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday night near the town of Obock. At least 109 migrants perished in the incident, and 15 of the victims were children, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The tragedy has added another grim line to the already deadly route that sees thousands from the Horn of Africa seek work and safety in the Gulf region.

Only about 80 survivors were pulled from the wreckage, leaving many more missing. IOM’s Djibouti mission chief Alexandre Coissac described the capsizing as a “stark reminder” of the risks migrants face while seeking a new life. The survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, were treated for injuries at IOM’s response centre in Obock and offered support to reconnect with their families.

The boat’s route has become increasingly hazardous. IOM reports that in 2025, over 900 migrants died or went missing on the same path, and recent data show an 18% surge in attempts since September 2024. A similar capsizing in March 2026 left nine dead and 45 missing. Yemen remains embroiled in a long‑standing civil war, yet many still use the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to cross due to poverty, insecurity, and the effects of climate change.

Local authorities are arranging burials for those who did not survive, as they continue to coordinate with IOM to prevent further loss of life. The incident underscores the urgent need for safer migration options and stronger protection for people in transit.