Over 180 Migrants Feared Dead Following Shipwrecks Off Yemen’s Coast
On March 7, 2025, two boats sank off Yemen, resulting in over 180 migrants feared dead. The tragedy highlights the perils faced by those fleeing the Horn of Africa amid dangerous conditions. Smugglers disregarded weather warnings, significantly increasing risks. The IOM emphasizes the need for urgent action to safeguard migrants and address the dire humanitarian crisis.
On March 7, 2025, two boats carrying over 180 migrants capsized off the coast of Yemen’s Dhubab district in Ta’iz Governorate, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The incident was exacerbated by some of the worst weather in years, including strong winds and high waves, which proved perilous for those attempting the hazardous journey from the Horn of Africa.
Among the passengers were at least 124 men and 57 women. While two Yemeni crew members were rescued, all other individuals on board are feared deceased, with no bodies recovered thus far. Reports indicate that smugglers proceeded with the journey despite warnings from Yemen’s Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority against travel due to harsh weather conditions.
Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen, stated, “These latest shipwrecks are a sobering reminder of the grave dangers migrants endure in search of a better future. Smugglers continue to gamble with human lives, pushing people onto dangerous journeys despite clear weather warnings. There is a critical need for adequate protection and safe alternatives for migrants.”
Migrants who reach Yemen often encounter severe hardships, including violence, detention, and forced labor. Reports indicate instances of kidnapping and extortion by traffickers, leaving many stranded with no means to proceed or return home. Despite the grave dangers, over 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen last year alone. Since 2014, IOM has documented over 3,400 deaths and disappearances along the Eastern Route.
The IOM continues to provide essential assistance to migrants in Yemen, offering food, medical care, protection services, and voluntary humanitarian return. However, funding cuts have strained resources significantly, raising concerns that many migrants may remain stuck in Yemen with insufficient access to basic necessities.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, the IOM calls for enhanced international efforts to safeguard migrants and address the root causes of irregular migration. Urgent support is needed to create safer migration pathways and avert further tragedies.
In light of the tragic shipwrecks off Yemen’s coast, it is evident that migrants face extreme risks during their journeys. The actions of smugglers, compounded by weather conditions and lack of support, contribute to a dire humanitarian crisis. With thousands of migrants enduring exploitation and violence, there is an urgent need for international intervention and increased resources to protect vulnerable populations seeking safety and a better future.
Original Source: www.iom.int
