Fri Mar 07 16:27:26 UTC 2025: ## Over 180 Migrants Missing After Boats Sink Off Djibouti and Yemen
**Addis Ababa, March 7, 2025** – At least one migrant is confirmed dead and over 180 are missing after four boats carrying migrants sank off the coasts of Djibouti and Yemen on Thursday, March 6th, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessels were traveling a perilous route increasingly used by Ethiopians seeking work in Gulf countries or fleeing conflict.
Two boats, one carrying approximately 30 people and the other around 150, disappeared off the Yemeni coast. The IOM country chief of mission in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev, expressed grave concerns, stating, “We are talking about 186 people that may have unfortunately perished in the sea.” At least 57 of the missing were women. The majority of those onboard were believed to be Ethiopian migrants, with five suspected Yemeni crew members.
Two additional boats capsized off the coast of Djibouti due to strong winds. While some migrants were rescued, one or two fatalities were reported.
Esoev highlighted the ongoing crisis, noting that the number of migrants arriving in Yemen from Ethiopia and Djibouti remains high, with many originating from Ethiopia’s Tigray region, still recovering from recent conflict. He emphasized the danger of this route, citing the IOM’s documentation of over 60,000 migrant arrivals in Yemen in 2024 and a 13 percent increase in attempts via the eastern route, reaching 446,194.
The IOM reported that 20 Ethiopians died in a similar incident last month. The organization attributes these tragedies to unseaworthy vessels, overcrowding, adverse weather conditions, and the actions of smugglers. More than 558 deaths were recorded along this route in 2024. Rescue efforts are underway, though hopes of finding survivors are reportedly slim.
First Piper 