IOM Reports 139 Migrants Dead in Djibouti Boat Tragedy

A tragic incident occurred off the port town of Obock, Djibouti, where a boat capsized, leading to the deaths of 139 migrants. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that 82 individuals, all from Ethiopia, survived the disaster, while another 84 people are still unaccounted for.

Safiya Ibrahim, a humanitarian response coordinator for the IOM, provided details about the incident. Alexandre Coissac, the IOM Chief of Mission in Djibouti, stated that personal items belonging to those on the boat were found on a beach as search and rescue operations continued.

The IOM is currently assisting the survivors with healthcare and support in contacting their families. Coissac emphasized that this tragedy underscores the perilous conditions migrants face while seeking a better life.

One survivor mentioned they originated from the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, which is experiencing conflict. Despite ongoing instability in the region, many migrants continue to attempt the dangerous journey across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.