DJIBOUTI: Desperate Journeys: Fatal Sinkings Highlight Perils of Migration off Djibouti

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

At least 45 individuals have died, with dozens still missing, after two boats carrying refugees and migrants sank off the coast of Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessels departed from Yemen with 310 people aboard before capsizing in the Red Sea, just 150 meters from shore.

“IOM is supporting state emergency services in search and rescue operations,” the agency stated, noting that 32 survivors had been found. Djibouti’s coastguard confirmed that joint rescue efforts have rescued 115 individuals, while the search for the missing continues.

This tragedy underscores the extreme dangers faced by those taking the Eastern Route, described as one of the busiest and most perilous migration paths in the world. The IOM highlighted that nearly 400,000 people attempted this crossing in 2023 alone, with almost 700 reported dead or missing.

“We remain committed to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors,” the coastguard affirmed, as the international community grapples with the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Chioma Ndukwu

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