Synopsis
A tragic incident off the southern Yemeni coast resulted in the death of 20 Ethiopian migrants, including nine women and 11 men, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The boat capsized amid strong winds, highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking safety.Key Takeaways
- 20 Ethiopian migrants died in the incident.
- The boat capsized near Al-Hajjajah due to strong winds.
- Survivors managed to reach the shore safely.
- IOM calls for action on irregular migration.
- 60,000 migrant arrivals documented in Yemen in 2024.
Aden, Jan 22 (NationPress) A total of 20 Ethiopian migrants, comprising nine women and 11 men, lost their lives when their boat capsized off the southern Yemeni coast over the weekend, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The boat, which was carrying 35 Ethiopian migrants along with a Yemeni captain and his assistant, set sail from the Hammarta area in Djibouti and capsized on Saturday night due to strong seasonal winds near Al-Hajjajah in Dubab District, Taiz Governorate, according to a statement from the IOM, adding that the survivors managed to reach the shore safely.
"This tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of the perilous conditions migrants face in their quest for safety and a better future," said IOM's Chief of Mission in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev.
He further emphasized, "The global community must intensify its efforts to tackle the underlying causes of irregular migration and prioritize the protection and dignity of migrants."
The waters off Yemen are considered among the most perilous worldwide. IOM statistics reveal that over 60,000 migrant arrivals in Yemen were documented in 2024 alone, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Since 2014, there have been 3,435 deaths and disappearances recorded along the Eastern Route, with 1,416 lives lost to drowning.
A Yemeni government official, who requested anonymity, confirmed to Xinhua that "the incident occurred days ago" and noted that many lives were lost, although specific numbers were not provided.
In another important update, the IOM praised the Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) and 13 government institutions for their collaboration in migration data-generating efforts, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a data-sharing protocol on January 15.
The institutions involved included the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor and Skills, Ministry of Peace, Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Ethiopian Diaspora Service, Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, Ethiopian National ID Program, Immigration and Citizenship Service, and the Refugees and Returnees Service.
