139 migrants die after boat capsizes off Djibouti coast

A boat carrying approximately 305 migrants capsized off the coast of Djibouti during the night of October 8–9, resulting in at least 139 deaths and leaving 84 others missing, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The vessel was traveling from Djibouti to Yemen when it sank near the port town of Obock. More than 80 people survived the shipwreck, all Ethiopian nationals, with survivors receiving medical care and assistance from IOM teams and local authorities.

Among the 139 bodies recovered are 52 men, 42 women, and 15 children. IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti Alexandre Coissac described the incident as "a devastating loss of life" and "a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants along this migration corridor as they seek economic opportunities." Local authorities continue search and recovery operations for those still missing, while also arranging dignified burials for those who died.

The incident reflects a broader pattern of deadly maritime accidents in the Red Sea region. Tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, travel annually through Djibouti and across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait toward Gulf countries in search of safety and economic opportunities. According to IOM data, over 900 migrants died or went missing along the same route in 2025, representing an 18% increase in attempted crossings. IOM Director General Amy Pope called for action, stating: "No one gets into a boat like that unless they believe there is no other safe way. We cannot keep treating these deaths as normal. Safe and legal pathways save lives." The route remains heavily used despite ongoing conflict in Yemen and regional instability.