Shipwreck off Yemen Claims 13 Lives, 14 Missing

Details of the Incident

At least 13 people have died and 14 others are missing after a boat sank off the coast of Yemen, the United Nations migration agency has said.

“A migrant boat capsized off the coast of Yemen’s Taiz governorate on Tuesday,” the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a statement on Sunday.

The boat, which departed from Djibouti carrying 25 Ethiopians and two Yemeni nationals, sank near Dubab district in Bani al-Hakam subdistrict, it added.

Eleven men and two women were among those confirmed dead as a search operation continues to locate the missing, including the Yemeni captain and his assistant, the IOM said.

It noted that the cause of the shipwreck remains unclear.

Reaction from the IOM

“This latest tragedy is a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants on this route,” said Matt Huber, the acting chief of IOM’s mission in Yemen.

“Every life lost in these dangerous waters is one too many, and it is imperative that we do not normalise these devastating losses and instead work collectively to ensure that migrants are protected and supported throughout their journeys.”

Background on Migrant Tragedies

🚨 A tragic shipwreck off Yemen has claimed 13 lives, with 14 people still missing.

This disaster is a grim reminder of the urgent need to prevent these migrant tragedies, ensuring better protection for those seeking safety.

— IOM Yemen (@IOM_Yemen) August 25, 2024

Tuesday’s capsizing follows similar shipwrecks in June and July, the IOM said.

Tens of thousands of refugees and migrants set off yearly from the Horn of Africa, seeking to escape conflict, natural disasters or poor economic prospects and sailing across the Red Sea in a bid to reach the oil-rich Gulf.

The IOM recorded more than 97,200 arrivals in Yemen in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s numbers.

People who do reach Yemen often encounter further threats to their safety, as the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country has been mired in civil war for nearly a decade.

Many are trying to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries for employment as labourers or domestic workers.

Conclusion

This tragic incident highlights the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by migrants seeking safety and security. It is essential to work together to ensure the protection and support of migrants throughout their journeys.

FAQs

* How many people are confirmed dead in the shipwreck?
+ 13 people have been confirmed dead.
* How many people are still missing?
+ 14 people are still missing.
* What was the cause of the shipwreck?
+ The cause of the shipwreck remains unclear.
* What is the reaction from the IOM?
+ The IOM is calling for collective action to ensure the protection and support of migrants throughout their journeys.