A migrant boat sank off the coast of Djibouti with the UN reporting over 200 people dead or missing

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Sunday said that 109 people were killed, 80 survived and 116 remained missing after the overnight sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Djibouti in northeastern Africa.

The vessel, which was estimated to have been carrying 350 people, capsized near Obock, Djibouti, en route to Yemen.

In a statement, IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti Alexandre Coissac called the loss of life "devastating," adding, "This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants along this migration corridor as they seek economic opportunities" by trying to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Yemen and reach Gulf countries.

"Poverty, insecurity and the growing impacts of climate change drive many to undertake this journey, despite mounting instability across the Middle East," according to the IOM.

IOM representatives said, "Djiboutian authorities are continuing search and rescue operations as fears grow for those still missing."

Djibouti to Yemen a dangerous crossing 

The IOM says it has detected more than 20,000 crossings from Djibouti to Yemen — which is currently in the middle of a raging civil war — in the past month. More than 900 migrants were killed attempting the passage in 2025.

The IOM says most of those attempting to cross are from Ethiopia and Somalia. The 80 survivors from Saturday night's capsizing were all Ethiopian nationals.

The IMO on Sunday urged "donors and partners to strengthen support for Djibouti's response, including search and rescue operations and life-saving assistance."

Of the bodies so far recovered, 52 were men, 42 were women and 15 were children.

Bab el-Mandeb trade disruption: What it means for Djibouti

Edited by: Wesley Rahn 

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