Search for Missing Migrants Off Djibouti Coast
The UN migration agency has launched a search operation for over 100 migrants who went missing off the coast of Djibouti after two boats sank. The distressing incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved approximately 310 migrants attempting to travel from Yemen to Djibouti. While 99 individuals managed to swim to safety, 55 were rescued from the sea, and tragically, at least 45 bodies have been recovered.
The situation escalated when smugglers forced the migrants to disembark into the sea near Obock, leading to a devastating loss of life, including that of a mother and her 4-month-old child. This incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by migrants in the Horn of Africa, where many embark on dangerous journeys in search of better economic opportunities in the Gulf states. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has labeled the Eastern Route as one of the busiest and most hazardous migration corridors globally.
Currently, the Djibouti Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations, while the IOM is providing ongoing support to assist survivors and evaluate the situation for future aid to migrants.
