Migrant boat shipwreck leaves many dead off the coast of Djibouti

A tragic shipwreck occurred off the coast of Djibouti between the night of October 8 and October 9, 2026, when an overloaded vessel carrying migrants towards Yemen capsized. Reports regarding casualties vary: the International Organization for Migration (IOM) initially reported at least 109 fatalities, including 15 children, while other sources cite 139 deaths and up to 84 missing persons. The vessel was carrying approximately 305 to 350 passengers, the majority of whom were Ethiopian nationals attempting to reach Gulf countries via the dangerous route across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

More than 80 survivors have been rescued, and search and rescue operations remain active to locate the missing. The IOM noted that some passengers on board had previously been expelled from Yemen and were attempting the crossing for a second time. This route remains a primary corridor for thousands of migrants fleeing conflict and seeking economic opportunity, despite the extreme risks posed by the ongoing violence in Yemen and the perilous sea conditions.

Alexandre Coissac, head of the IOM mission in Djibouti, described the event as a catastrophic loss of human life. Authorities and international organizations continue to assess the humanitarian impact as the search for survivors proceeds.