Dozens of migrants and refugees from Africa have died, with many more still missing, after two boats sank off the coast of Djibouti. The boats, carrying a total of 310 passengers, left Yemen before sinking in the Red Sea. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is leading search and rescue efforts to find survivors, with 32 people rescued so far. Djibouti’s coastguard has also been involved in the rescue operation, with 115 survivors already rescued and dozens still missing.
This tragic incident is just the latest in a series of shipwrecks in the region. In April, 38 people died after their boat sank off the coast of Djibouti, and in June, another 49 people died when their boat sank after leaving Somalia. The Eastern Route, which crosses the Red Sea from Africa to the Gulf states, is known for being one of the busiest and most dangerous migration routes in the world.
Human smugglers often pack refugees and migrants onto overcrowded vessels, exposing them to drowning, health risks, violence, and exploitation by traffickers. Despite the dangers, tens of thousands of people attempt the crossing each year, seeking a better future in the Gulf states. In 2023 alone, nearly 400,000 people made the Eastern Route crossing, with almost 700 deaths or disappearances recorded.
The IOM is urging for improved safety measures and support for those making the dangerous journey across the Red Sea. The recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by migrants and refugees in search of a better life.
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