Obock, Djibouti — A tragic maritime disaster unfolded off the northern coast of Djibouti, where an overcrowded boat carrying migrants to Yemen capsized on the night of October 8-9, 2023. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that at least 139 individuals, including 15 children, have lost their lives, with many more feared missing.
The IOM’s updated numbers reflect a significant increase in fatalities, rising from an earlier count of 109. On October 11, officials confirmed the recovery of additional bodies, bringing the death toll to this grim figure. The agency warns that the number of missing persons, already at 84, could continue to rise as recovery efforts proceed.
Survivors recount that approximately 305 people were onboard the vessel, which sank near Guhere, not far from the fishing town of Obock. Out of those, around 82 individuals, all Ethiopian nationals, managed to survive. The tragedy unfolded shortly after the migrants boarded the boat, which was already over capacity. Alexandre Coissac, the IOM’s chief of mission in Djibouti, stated that many on board were attempting the perilous crossing after having previously been turned away from Yemen.
In the wake of the disaster, the IOM has mobilized resources to aid the survivors at its Migrant Response Centre in Obock. They are being provided with essential services such as healthcare, psychosocial support, food, and temporary shelter. Some of the survivors required medical attention for ingesting seawater, while others received assistance to communicate with their families, many of whom are unaware of their loved ones’ fates.
Coissac, who visited the site of the wreck, described the emotional toll on those who survived, noting that they were profoundly traumatized by the loss of their companions and their current predicament. Local responders are struggling to cope with the influx of bodies being washed ashore, leading them to hurriedly conduct burials.
The immediate official death count from the incident does not include those buried by other migrants, as verification efforts are still underway. Coissac expressed his sorrow over the situation, revealing that the deceased were given no names and were interred in a common grave, comparable to conditions found in wartime.
The recovered bodies include 52 men, 42 women, and 15 children. The tragedy underscores the ongoing peril faced by many as they attempt to migrate through treacherous waters. Video footage released by the IOM highlights personal belongings scattered on the beach, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.
Every year, tens of thousands from the Horn of Africa undertake this risky journey, primarily driven by poverty and instability at home. This region sees many Ethiopians and Somalis crossing through Djibouti to reach Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. Recent trends show that economic factors accounted for the majority of these movements, with a lesser proportion linked to conflict or persecution.
The Eastern Route is fraught with dangers, including intense heat, overcrowded vessels, and a significant risk of drowning. Survivors reaching Yemen face further challenges such as violence, detention, and exploitation. Since September 10, the IOM has documented over 20,000 migrant movements into Djibouti.
In light of escalating conflicts in Yemen, maritime traffic has increased in both directions, leading the IOM to support thousands of Yemenis as well. The agency’s Missing Migrants Project recorded over 900 deaths linked to this dangerous route in 2022, a figure that highlights the alarming realities of migrant journeys.
IOM Director General Amy Pope has called on governments and organizations to facilitate safer and more legal migration pathways, emphasizing that such high rates of fatalities cannot be normalized. She remarked that no migrant would risk boarding such a perilous vessel unless they felt it was their only option for survival.