UN says 49 migrants dead, 140 missing in shipwreck off Yemen coast 

At least 49 migrants have died and 140 others remain missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Yemen, Report informs referring to the UN Migration.

The vessel carrying 260 migrants capsized on June 10 near Alghareef Point in Shabwah governorate. Among those that lost their lives in the devastating tragedy are 31 women and six children.

“This recent tragedy is another reminder of the urgent need to work together to address urgent migration challenges and ensure the safety and security of migrants along migration routes,” said Mohammedali Abunajela, IOM Spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as we remain committed to supporting survivors and improving search and rescue efforts in the region.”

According to the survivors, the boat departed from Bossaso in Somalia at around 3:00 am on Sunday, carrying 115 Somali nationals and 145 Ethiopians, with 90 women among them. This mirrors the recent rise in migrants from the Horn of Africa traveling to Yemen, spurred by political and economic instability, alongside severe droughts and other extreme weather events in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has mobilized two mobile medical teams to provide immediate assistance to the survivors, including six children. Out of the 71 survivors, eight migrants required further medical attention and were referred to a hospital while the remaining 63 survivors received first aid and minor treatment, including trauma care and wound dressing from the on-site mobile clinic. IOM psychologists working with the mobile medical team are providing mental health support to 38 survivors.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing despite significant challenges due to a shortage of operational patrol boats, a situation further complicated by the recent conflict. Local community members, including fishermen, played a crucial role in the aftermath by assisting with the recovery efforts and helping to lay the deceased to rest at Ayn-Bamaabed cemetery.

Despite these efforts, 140 individuals are still missing, and efforts are currently underway to explore additional search and rescue options as more bodies continue to wash ashore in various locations.