Over 60 Migrants Die as Overloaded Boat Capsizes Off Yemen

More than 60 migrants lost their lives when an overloaded boat capsized while attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden towards Yemen. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that this tragic incident occurred on the night of March 25, 2025, near the southern Yemeni province of Abyan. The boat, carrying an estimated 150 individuals, was part of a perilous journey often taken by desperate migrants from Ethiopia and other East African nations seeking better opportunities in oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

According to local health and security officials, a total of 68 Ethiopian migrants have been confirmed dead, with at least 12 survivors rescued from the waters. An unknown number of passengers remain missing, raising concerns that the death toll may increase as more bodies are expected to wash ashore.

Urgent Need for Migrant Protection

The IOM emphasized the critical need for enhanced protection measures for migrants who undertake such dangerous journeys. The organization stated, “This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection mechanisms for migrants undertaking perilous journeys, often facilitated by unscrupulous smugglers who exploit desperation and vulnerability.”

Abdul Kader Bajamel, a health official in Zinjibar, confirmed that the deceased and survivors, including two Yemeni smugglers, were transported to local hospitals in Abyan. Bajamel added that, due to the morgue’s inability to accommodate the large number of bodies, the governor of Abyan ordered their immediate burial to prevent an environmental crisis. An emergency committee has been established to locate the missing individuals.

Salah Balleel, a health official in the Khanfar district, reported that one deceased migrant was received at a local hospital, where 11 survivors were treated. He noted, “The small boat was carrying far too many people. We provided first aid and other medical assistance, and all the survivors have since left the hospital.”

The Eastern Route: A Dangerous Journey

The migrants’ journey, known as the Eastern Route, is recognized as one of the busiest and most hazardous migration pathways globally. Tens of thousands attempted this journey last year, fleeing conflict, poverty, drought, or political repression in countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. To reach Saudi Arabia, many migrants must first traverse Yemen, which has been embroiled in conflict since 2014 when the Houthi movement ousted the internationally recognized government from its capital, Sanaa.

The ongoing war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, with hundreds of thousands of individuals affected by violence, disease, and starvation. A Saudi-led military coalition, supported by United States military assistance, has been engaged in a bombing campaign aimed at restoring the previous government, further complicating the situation for migrants.

As this latest tragedy unfolds, the plight of those seeking refuge and better opportunities remains urgent. Efforts to address the systemic issues driving migration and to safeguard the lives of vulnerable individuals are more critical than ever.