Djibouti: At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, have died after a boat travelling from Djibouti to Yemen capsized off the coast of Djibouti, according to reports. More than 80 people survived the disaster.
Most of the victims were reportedly from Ethiopia and Somalia. The boat is believed to have lost control while crossing the dangerous maritime route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Coast guard personnel and United Nations rescue teams launched an emergency operation following the shipwreck, rescuing survivors from the waters. Seriously injured survivors were admitted to hospitals in Djibouti for treatment. Authorities are yet to release further details about the victims’ identities and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy highlights the risks faced by migrants attempting the perilous sea crossing from Africa to Yemen in search of employment and security. Despite the dangers and continuing conflict in Yemen, tens of thousands of migrants undertake the journey through Djibouti and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
