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45 Persons Dead, 61 Others Missing After Two Migrant Boats Capsize Off Djibouti Coast

45 Persons Dead, 61 Others Missing After Two Migrant Boats Capsize Off Djibouti Coast
October 2, 2024

This latest tragedy highlights the dangers of one of the busiest migration routes, frequently used by African migrants seeking to escape conflict and poor economic conditions. 

Two migrant boats carrying 310 people capsized near Djibouti's coast, leaving at least 45 dead. 

 

The boats had departed from Yemen before sinking in the Red Sea on Tuesday, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported.

 

"To date, 61 individuals are still missing and the search operations are continuing relentlessly," the Djibouti coastguard said. The boats sank just 150 meters from a beach near Djibouti’s north-west Khor Angar region, with 115 survivors rescued so far.

 

A "large-scale search" supported by the IOM began early Monday. "We remain committed to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors," the agency said.

 

This latest tragedy highlights the dangers of one of the busiest migration routes, frequently used by African migrants seeking to escape conflict and poor economic conditions. 

 

Thousands cross the Red Sea each year, often on overcrowded boats managed by smugglers.

 

In June, 56 Somali and Ethiopian migrants died and 140 others were reported missing after a similar incident in the Gulf of Aden.

 

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International