Multitudes of refugees perished in a maritime tragedy
In a heartbreaking incident, a boat carrying approximately 150 people, mostly Ethiopian migrants, sank in the Bab al-Mandab Strait off the coast of southern Yemen's Abyan governorate. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that at least 76 people have died, dozens remain missing, and 32 survivors were rescued.
The boat sinking occurred in the Gulf of Aden, a frequent route for migrants smuggling from the Horn of Africa seeking work in the Gulf states. The incident took place in poor weather conditions, which likely contributed to the disaster. Bodies of refugees have already washed up on several shores, and ten refugees have been rescued so far, including nine Ethiopians and one Yemeni.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, known as the "Gate of Grief," is a dangerous passage for migrants. Despite the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, it remains a destination for these migrants. Many migrants, primarily from African countries, are seeking work on the Arabian Peninsula and hope to reach Saudi Arabia or other wealthy oil states from Yemen.
Security authorities in Abyan province have launched a large-scale search operation to find more survivors and recover the bodies of those lost at sea. The IOM highlights the Bab al-Mandab Strait as one of the most dangerous worldwide migration routes, with tens of thousands crossing each year despite considerable risks, including unsafe boats and harsh sea conditions.
Last year, more than 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen according to the IOM. The migration route is mainly used by people from Ethiopia, who are fleeing fighting between government troops and rebels in their home country.
The incident is one of several recent tragedies in this region due to unsafe maritime migration routes. Despite these dangers, the hope of finding work in wealthier countries continues to attract migrants to the dangerous migration route through the strait of Bab al-Mandab.
In summary:
- Death toll: At least 76 confirmed dead, possibly up to 92 according to some sources.
- Survivors: Approximately 32 people rescued and receiving care.
- Missing: Dozens remain unaccounted for; ongoing search efforts continue.
- Location: Off southern Yemen near Abyan governorate in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Migrants: Mainly Ethiopian nationals fleeing hardship, heading towards Gulf states.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragic incident.
- The ongoing tragedy in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a notorious migrant route, underscores the urgent need for revised community and employment policies to address the root causes of migration and improve migrant safety.
- Amidst rising global concerns about human rights and crime-and-justice issues, the recurring crises in migrant routes, like the Bab al-Mandab Strait, call for increased attention and general-news coverage to raise awareness and spur policy changes.
