Migrant boat sank off the coast of Djibouti: 109 dead, 116 missing

At least 109 people lost their lives as a result of the sinking of the migrant boat moving from the African country Djibouti to Yemen.

In its statement on Sunday, October 11, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 15 of those who lost their lives were children, and more than 116 people were unaccounted for.

According to IOM's information based on the statements of survivors, the boat carrying approximately 350 people capsized off the coast of Guhere, near the port city of Obock in the north of Djibouti, on the night between October 8 and October 9.

According to the IOM statement, more than 80 people survived the disaster. It was stated that all survivors were Ethiopian citizens.

While uncertainty regarding the fate of the missing migrants continues, it was reported that IOM teams participated in emergency relief efforts in the region together with local authorities.

The sea route between Djibouti and Yemen is among the main routes used by immigrants trying to reach the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa.

Many immigrants, especially from Ethiopia and Somalia, are trying to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries via Yemen.

However, dangerous sea conditions, human trafficking and limited safe transportation opportunities cause fatal accidents on this route.

According to IOM data, at least 94 deaths and missing cases were recorded along the Eastern Migration Route in the first three months of 2026. A significant portion of these cases occurred in Djibouti.

It is estimated that the loss of life may increase as more than 116 people were missing in the last boat disaster.

The International Organization for Migration and local authorities continue their efforts to provide assistance to migrants affected by the accident.