The wreck occurred north of Obock in the Bab al Mandeb Strait, highlighting the peril of the Eastern Route where over 900 migrants died or disappeared in 2025. The IOM has tracked more than 20,000 movements of Ethiopian migrants into Djibouti since September 10, citing drivers such as climate change, insecurity, and poverty. Rescue teams and local authorities are currently providing emergency aid at the site.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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UN Raises Djibouti Migrant Boat Death Toll to 139
World9 days ago
Around 84 passengers remain missing after an overcrowded vessel traveling from Djibouti to Yemen capsized overnight between October 8 and 9. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) updated the death toll to at least 139 on Sunday and Monday, an increase from initial estimates of 109 fatalities, and confirmed that 15 children are among the deceased. More than 80 survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, were rescued from the boat that was carrying more than 300 people.
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