Djibouti Boat Capsize Kills 139 Migrants, Including 15 Children
At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have died after an overcrowded boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti while travelling towards Yemen, according to the United Nations migration agency.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed the deaths on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The boat was carrying approximately 305 people when it overturned near Guhere, north of the coastal town of Obock.
At least 84 people remain missing, while around 82 survivors have been reported. Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities work to locate missing passengers and assist those who survived.
The disaster is among the deadliest reported incidents along the migration route connecting the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
Boat Capsizes Near Djibouti Coast
According to the IOM, survivors said the boat departed Djibouti on the evening of Thursday, October 8. The vessel capsized during the night of October 8 to 9, shortly after beginning its journey towards Yemen.
The agency said overcrowding was a major factor in the disaster. The vessel was carrying hundreds of people across a dangerous stretch of water.
The incident occurred near Guhere, north of Obock, a coastal town that serves as an important departure point for migrants travelling towards Yemen.
The Djiboutian authorities have continued search and recovery operations. Emergency workers have also helped survivors access medical treatment and other essential support.
The final death toll could change as officials recover more bodies and verify the identities of victims.
Children Among the Victims
At least 15 children were among those confirmed dead, according to the IOM.
The deaths have highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable people who undertake irregular sea journeys in search of employment, safety and better living conditions.
Many migrants travelling along this route are Ethiopian nationals. Some leave their homes because of poverty, drought, conflict and limited economic opportunities.
Others hope to reach Yemen before continuing towards wealthier Gulf countries in search of work.
However, the journey exposes passengers to overcrowded boats, dangerous sea conditions and the risk of trafficking.
The latest tragedy has renewed calls for stronger protection measures and safer migration options.
At Least 84 People Remain Missing
The IOM reported that 139 bodies had been officially counted, while 84 people remained missing.
The agency explained that the official death toll included victims whose bodies had been buried by local authorities in Djibouti.
Some other victims were reportedly buried by fellow migrants without formal identification. Those deaths cannot be included in the official count until authorities verify the bodies.
Alexandre Coissac, the IOM’s chief of mission in Djibouti, described the incident as a devastating loss of life.
The organisation is providing emergency assistance to survivors at its migrant response centre in Obock.
Support includes medical care and psychological assistance for people who experienced the disaster. Many survivors are also facing uncertainty about the whereabouts of relatives and friends.
Authorities continue to search for missing passengers as families await further information.
Why Migrants Travel From Djibouti to Yemen
Djibouti is a major departure point for migrants travelling from the Horn of Africa towards the Arabian Peninsula.
Many people cross the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to reach Yemen. They often hope to continue towards Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in search of employment.
The route is known as the Eastern Route. It remains popular despite the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Yemen’s continuing conflict creates additional risks for people who reach the country. Migrants can face violence, exploitation, trafficking, detention and difficult living conditions.
According to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, more than 900 people died or went missing along the route during 2025.
The latest shipwreck demonstrates the continuing risks faced by people who rely on dangerous sea crossings.
UN Calls for Safer Migration Options
The IOM has urged governments and international partners to improve protection for migrants and expand access to safe, legal migration pathways.
The organisation said the disaster highlighted the urgent need to prevent further loss of life along the route.
Better access to information, emergency assistance and legal travel options could reduce the number of people who rely on overcrowded vessels.
However, addressing the crisis also requires action on the poverty, insecurity and environmental pressures that force people to leave their homes.
For now, search and rescue efforts continue off Djibouti as authorities work to account for those still missing.
The deaths of 139 migrants, including 15 children, serve as a reminder of the human cost of dangerous migration journeys. The IOM continues to call for coordinated international action to protect migrants and prevent similar tragedies.
About the Author
