At least 45 migrants have tragically lost their lives, and 111 others are missing after being forced off two boats into the open sea by smugglers off the coast of Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Fatal Smuggling Incident Near Djibouti Coast
The incident, which occurred near Obock, close to Godoria, is being described as one of the deadliest migrant-related tragedies along the perilous Eastern Route, which spans from the Horn of Africa to Yemen and the Gulf. This is the second major catastrophe in the area, following a similar incident in June 2024 that claimed the lives of 196 people. “This latest double tragedy is the starkest reminder yet of the urgent need to protect and address the needs of migrants along the Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen and the Gulf,” stated Frantz Celestin, IOM regional director for East, Horn & Southern Africa, underscoring the devastating impact of this ongoing crisis.
Migrants Forced to Jump Overboard
The disaster unfolded when smugglers, transporting migrants from the Horn of Africa, forced passengers to disembark in open waters, leaving them to swim to shore. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences from both vessels, which were dangerously overcrowded. The first boat was carrying around 100 migrants, while the second had approximately 210 onboard. In the chaos, many drowned as they attempted to make it to shore.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this tragedy is the survival of a 4-month-old infant whose mother drowned in the incident. Along with the baby, 98 other passengers from the first boat were rescued, but the fate of many aboard the second vessel remains unknown. As search and rescue operations by the Djiboutian Coast Guard continue, the fear is that the number of missing may continue to rise.
IOM’s Urgent Call for Support and Rescue Efforts
The IOM has been actively involved in aiding survivors of this tragedy, providing medical assistance and psychological support to those who were rescued. Efforts to locate the remaining missing migrants are ongoing, with search operations being conducted by the Djiboutian authorities.
Frantz Celestin highlighted the urgency of addressing the root causes behind such dangerous journeys and the exploitation migrants face at the hands of smugglers. “Hundreds have perished this year. We urge the donor community to continue supporting IOM’s efforts to save lives and tackle the underlying causes of the perilous and life-threatening journeys these migrants embark on, as well as to halt their exploitation by smugglers,” Celestin said, appealing to the international community for greater support.
The IOM is continuing to work with state emergency services to bolster search and rescue efforts and provide essential assistance to the survivors. However, the grim reality remains that thousands of migrants, fleeing hardship in the Horn of Africa, continue to risk their lives on this dangerous route in search of safety and better opportunities. As the number of casualties and missing persons climbs, this tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing migrant crisis and the urgent need for increased international cooperation to prevent further loss of life.
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