At least 109 migrants have died after a boat carrying 305 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti in east Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed. Fifteen children are among the dead.
The vessel was travelling from Djibouti to Yemen when it overturned in the water near Guhere, north of the port town of Obock, according to survivors. The disaster occurred on Thursday night or Friday morning.
Among the dead are 52 men and 42 women. More than 80 people survived the accident, while at least 116 others remain missing.
Ongoing migration route despite risks
Tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa travel through Djibouti and across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait towards Gulf countries in search of safety and economic opportunities, the IOM said. That movement has continued despite violence in Yemen.
Alexandre Coissac, IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti, said: "This is a devastating loss of life. Our thoughts are with the survivors and the families who have lost loved ones or remain without news of their relatives."
"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants along this migration corridor as they seek economic opportunities."
Search and rescue operations ongoing
IOM teams scrambled to the scene alongside Djiboutian authorities to provide emergency aid. "Djiboutian authorities are continuing search and rescue operations as fears grow for those still missing," officials added.
The IOM is helping 64 survivors at its Obock Migrant Response Centre. Since September 10, the IOM has recorded more than 20,000 crossings to Djibouti from Ethiopia.
