At least 68 people have died and 74 remain missing after a migrant boat capsized off Yemen’s southern coast, local officials confirmed Sunday. Rescue teams battled rough seas to recover bodies along Abyan province’s shoreline, while 12 survivors—now hospitalized in critical condition—were pulled from the water. The vessel, carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants, sank late August 2 amid severe weather, underscoring the deadly risks of irregular migration routes.
The Human Toll
Medical staff at Shaqra General Hospital described survivors suffering from exhaustion and saltwater exposure, with some fighting for their lives. Authorities expanded search operations as bodies washed ashore across scattered coastal areas. Burial arrangements are underway near Zinjibar, Abyan’s capital.
A Crisis Beyond Borders
This tragedy highlights the perilous journeys African migrants undertake to reach Gulf nations via Yemen, despite its ongoing civil war and humanitarian collapse. The UN has labeled Yemen’s crisis among the world’s worst, yet thousands still risk the voyage for economic hope. Local officials urged international action to address migration drivers and improve maritime safety. 🌍💔
Global Response
The International Organization for Migration and aid groups have joined rescue efforts, but rough seas continue to hinder progress. As weather warnings persist, calls grow for regional cooperation to prevent future disasters. “This isn’t just Yemen’s crisis—it’s a global wake-up call,” one Abyan official told media anonymously.
