20 Ethiopian migrants die as their boat capsizes off Dhubab district, west of Taiz.

In a tragic incident, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported the deaths of 20 Ethiopian migrants, including nine women and 11 men. The accident occurred when their boat capsized on Saturday night, January 18, near the coast of Dhubab district in Yemen’s Taiz governorate.

Details of the Incident

According to the IOM, the boat was carrying 35 Ethiopian migrants, a Yemeni captain, and his assistant. It departed from Djibouti and overturned near Hajjah in the Bani Al-Hakam district. Field coordination officials from the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix confirmed that 15 Ethiopian men and the two Yemeni crew members survived, reaching the shore after the devastating incident.

Causes and Consequences

It is believed that strong monsoon winds were responsible for the boat capsizing. The vessel is thought to have left from the Hamarta area in Djibouti. Abdulsattar Isseuf, the IOM Chief of Mission in Yemen, emphasized the grim reality and volatile conditions faced by migrants in their pursuit of safety and better lives. He stated, “Every life lost is a significant loss.”

Urgent Call for International Action

Isseuf urged the international community to address the root causes of irregular migration and prioritize the protection and dignity of migrants. Despite ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks and enhance migrant safety, the waters off Yemen’s coast remain among the world’s most perilous. In 2024 alone, over 60,000 migrants have been documented arriving in Yemen by the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix.

Alarming Statistics and Continued Efforts

Since 2014, the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded 3,435 deaths and disappearances along the eastern route, including 1,416 individuals who drowned. The recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for combined efforts to address the vulnerabilities faced by migrants.

Root Causes and Humanitarian Response

Conflict, climate change, and lack of economic opportunities drive most Ethiopian migrants to travel through Yemen toward the Gulf states. However, they often encounter exploitation, violence, and life-threatening conditions along the way. The IOM continues to provide essential support to migrants on Yemen’s main migration routes, offering healthcare, food, shelter, and specialized protection services.

Need for Enhanced Resources and Cooperation

Despite these efforts, the demand for assistance far exceeds available resources. Strengthening international cooperation, increasing funding, and committing collectively to safe migration are crucial to preventing further tragedies and safeguarding lives.

A Call to Action

As Yemen’s humanitarian crisis worsens, the IOM reiterates its appeal to donors and partners to bolster efforts to protect vulnerable migrants and address the root causes of irregular migration. Coordinated action is vital to ensure migrants do not have to risk their lives in search of safety and dignity.

 

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