Off the coast of Yemen, a maritime disaster unfolds, resulting in the loss of more than 60 migrant lives
In a heartbreaking incident, a boat carrying approximately 150 migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen on Sunday, resulting in the tragic loss of over 60 lives. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed the recovery of 68 bodies, while search and rescue efforts continue to locate the remaining individuals.
The boat sank in the waters off Yemen's southern province of Abyan, a region that has become a critical transit hub for individuals from the Horn of Africa seeking employment in Gulf Arab nations. The majority of the deceased are believed to be Ethiopian nationals.
This incident is not an isolated event. In recent months, hundreds of migrants have encountered fatal accidents or gone missing in various maritime disasters. The IOM's Missing Migrants Project has recorded over 3,400 deaths and missing persons along this route in the last decade, with roughly 1,400 of these fatalities attributed to drowning.
Just last month, two boats capsized off Yemen's Dhubab district, resulting in a tragic loss of life with only two crew members rescued from over 180 passengers.
The IOM has described the migration route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen as one of the busiest and most perilous mixed migration routes. In light of these tragedies, the IOM's chief in Yemen, Esoev, has called for member states to improve legal migration pathways to avoid harmful smuggling networks and dangerous routes. Esoev urged member states to enhance their regular pathways so people can take legal ways to migrate instead of being trapped or deceived by smugglers.
Evidence-based organizations engaged in the protection and rescue of migrants during dangerous journeys related to reconstruction and security improvements in Yemen include international humanitarian and UN agencies. However, specific organizations focused explicitly on Yemen in this context are not detailed in the available search results.
The local Abu Dhabi security directorate has confirmed the extensive nature of the ongoing search operations. Bodies have been located across a wide area, including 54 washed ashore in the Khanfar district and 14 others taken to a morgue in Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan.
The IOM has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and emphasized the need for enhanced protective measures for migrants. A spokesperson for the IOM stated that the heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection mechanisms for migrants.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the international community calls for increased efforts to ensure the safety and protection of migrants undertaking perilous journeys in search of a better life.
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