Over 225 Migrants Dead or Missing Following Boat Capsizing Off Djibouti Coast

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that more than 225 migrants are dead or missing after their boat capsized while attempting a perilous journey from Djibouti to Yemen, marking one of the deadliest maritime disasters on this route this year.

According to the IOM, the tragedy occurred between October 8 and 9 near Godhayre, north of Obock. Survivors reported that the vessel sank, resulting in 109 confirmed deaths, including 15 children. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 52 men, 42 women, and 15 children, while more than 116 individuals remain missing. Over 80 survivors, all of whom are Ethiopian nationals, have been rescued and are currently receiving medical care and support from local authorities and the IOM.

Alexandre Kuisak, head of the IOM mission in Djibouti, described the event as a devastating loss of life. He emphasized that the organization is working closely with local authorities to provide emergency assistance, including healthcare, psychosocial support, and shelter for survivors. This incident underscores the extreme dangers faced by migrants who traverse the Eastern Route in search of economic opportunities and safety, often driven by poverty, climate change, and regional instability.

The IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix noted that more than 20,000 migrants from Ethiopia have arrived in Djibouti since September 10, indicating a persistent flow of migration despite the severe risks. The organization warned that the dangers extend well beyond the maritime crossing, as those who reach Yemen often face exploitation, human trafficking, arbitrary detention, and violence.

This tragedy follows a series of similar incidents along the Eastern Route, which serves as a major transit corridor for tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa heading toward the Gulf states. According to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, more than 900 migrants have died or gone missing along this route in 2025, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regional cooperation to address the migration crisis.