By : Lloyd Mahachi

A devastating maritime disaster has struck off the coast of Djibouti, claiming the lives of at least 45 refugees and migrants, with dozens more missing. Two overcrowded vessels, en route from Yemen, sank in the treacherous Red Sea, sparking a desperate search and rescue operation.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the boats left Yemen with 310 people on board before meeting their tragic fate. Rescue efforts are underway, with 115 survivors rescued and 32 found by the IOM. Djibouti’s coastguard is leading the search, vowing to continue finding missing persons and ensuring survivors’ safety.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of the “Eastern Route,” one of the world’s busiest and most perilous migration paths. Human smugglers pack vulnerable individuals onto rickety vessels, risking their lives to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in search of work.

The Horn of Africa to Yemen route is notorious for health risks, violence, and exploitation by traffickers. Nearly 400,000 people made this crossing in 2023, with almost 700 dying or going missing. Since 2014, nearly 1,000 lives have been lost on this route.

Djibouti’s coastguard has witnessed multiple tragedies, including the loss of 38 lives in April and 49 in June. The IOM warns of the devastating consequences of conflict, political violence, and climate change, driving refugees to risk everything for a better future.

As the search continues, the international community is urged to address the root causes of migration and protect vulnerable lives.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi