At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have died after a boat carrying more than 300 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti while attempting to reach Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The disaster occurred during the night of October 8–9 near Guhere, north of the coastal town of Obock, along one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.
The UN migration agency reported that 84 people remained missing, while 82 survivors had been identified following the tragedy.
The vessel was carrying migrants across the Gulf of Aden towards Yemen, a transit point for people seeking employment and economic opportunities in Gulf countries.
Many of those undertaking the journey are Ethiopian migrants fleeing poverty, insecurity and difficult living conditions.
The IOM said it was working with local authorities to provide emergency assistance and medical care to survivors, while search and rescue efforts continued.
The tragedy highlights the persistent dangers of the Eastern Route, a migration corridor connecting the Horn of Africa with the Arabian Peninsula.
Migrants travelling along this route face overcrowded vessels, dangerous sea conditions, exploitation by smugglers and the risk of detention or violence.
According to the IOM, more than 900 migrants died or went missing along the Eastern Route in 2025 alone, illustrating the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
The latest disaster comes amid worsening insecurity in parts of the Horn of Africa and continuing conflict in Yemen, both of which have complicated migration patterns across the region.
Despite repeated warnings about the risks, thousands of people continue to attempt the crossing in search of better economic prospects.
The latest deaths have renewed attention to the need for stronger protection measures, action against migrant smuggling networks and safer alternatives for people undertaking dangerous journeys across the Gulf of Aden.
