No fewer than 49 people from the Horn of Africa have died after their boat capsized off the coast of Yemen, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Survivors reported that the vessel, carrying 260 migrants, sank on Monday in strong winds.
Rescue efforts are ongoing for the 140 people still missing. The IOM said it would provide aid to 71 survivors, eight of whom have been hospitalised. Local authorities in Rudum, east of Aden, confirmed that most of the passengers were Ethiopian migrants using Yemen as a transit point to reach Gulf states.
Hadi al-Khurma, the director of Rudum district, said that the boat sank before reaching the shore. Fishermen and residents managed to rescue survivors, who indicated that more migrants were missing from the same boat. “The search is still ongoing and the United Nations has been informed of the incident,” al-Khurma said.
IOM spokesman Mohammedali Abunajela stated on Tuesday, “This recent tragedy is another reminder of the urgent need to work together to address urgent migration challenges.” He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting survivors and enhancing search and rescue efforts in the region.
Melissa Enoch
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