Over 180 Migrants Feared Dead After Shipwrecks Off Yemen’s Coast
Over 180 migrants are feared dead following the capsizing of two boats off Yemen’s coast amidst severe weather. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that smugglers ignored weather warnings, leading to this tragedy. Survivors of such journeys often face violence and exploitation in Yemen, where humanitarian needs far exceed available resources. The IOM emphasizes urgent global action to protect migrants and establish safer migration pathways.
Yemen recently witnessed a tragic maritime incident where two boats capsized off the coast of Dhubab district, leading to fears that over 180 migrants have perished. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the boats sank due to perilous conditions attributed to severe weather, which has been described as some of the worst in recent years. Among the individuals on the boats were 124 men and 57 women; while two crew members survived, all other passengers are missing with no bodies recovered.
The unfortunate shipwreck was exacerbated by the negligence of smugglers, who disregarded clear weather warnings issued by Yemen’s Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority. Reports indicate that smugglers are increasingly sending migrants into hazardous situations to evade patrols. Abdusattor Esoev, the IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen, remarked, “These latest shipwrecks are a sobering reminder of the grave dangers migrants endure in search of a better future,” emphasizing the ongoing peril faced by migrants.
Survivors of such journeys often encounter dire conditions upon arrival in Yemen, where they are subjected to violence, forced labor, and exploitation. Many fall victim to kidnappers and traffickers, leaving them stranded with no resources to continue or return home. Despite these risks, over 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen last year alone. The IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded approximately 3,400 fatalities along the Eastern Route since 2014, highlighting the continuous dangers faced by those attempting to migrate.
The IOM remains committed to providing essential assistance to migrants in Yemen, including food, medical support, and protection services. However, funding cuts have significantly hindered their capacity to meet the immense needs of this vulnerable population, raising concerns that many may be left without assistance. As the humanitarian crisis escalates, the IOM calls for heightened international action to safeguard migrants and to address the root causes of irregular migration, stressing that immediate support is crucial for establishing safer migration routes and preventing further tragedies.
The tragic incidents off Yemen’s coast exemplify the extreme dangers migrants face in pursuit of better opportunities. Negligence by smugglers, combined with hazardous conditions, has led to significant loss of life. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, it is paramount to ensure adequate protection and support for migrants, alongside a collective international response to combat the factors driving irregular migration. Failure to act may result in more lives being lost and families suffering irreversible grief.
Original Source: www.iom.int
