Yemen: A devastating maritime tragedy occurred off the coast of Yemen, where at least 13 people lost their lives, and 14 others remain missing after a migrant boat capsized, according to the United Nations migration agency.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the boat, carrying 25 Ethiopian migrants and two Yemeni nationals, sank near the Dubab district in the Taiz governorate on Tuesday. The boat had departed from Djibouti, a common departure point for those fleeing desperate conditions in search of safety and better opportunities in the Gulf states.

Among the confirmed fatalities were 11 men and two women. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals, including the Yemeni captain and his assistant.

The IOM noted that the exact cause of the shipwreck remains unknown, but the incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by migrants on this perilous route.

Matt Huber, the acting chief of IOM’s mission in Yemen, expressed deep concern over the tragedy, stating, “Every life lost in these dangerous waters is one too many. We must not normalize these devastating losses. It's crucial to work together to protect and support migrants throughout their journeys.”

The UN agency highlighted the risks migrants face when relying on smuggling networks to escape dire circumstances. Smugglers often push vulnerable individuals into hazardous situations, leading to tragedies like this one as migrants attempt to cross the Red Sea toward the oil-rich Gulf nations.

Every year, tens of thousands of refugees and migrants embark on this dangerous journey from the Horn of Africa, fleeing conflict, natural disasters, and poor economic prospects. The IOM recorded over 97,200 arrivals in Yemen in 2023, exceeding the numbers from the previous year.

However, reaching Yemen does not guarantee safety. The country has been engulfed in civil war for nearly a decade, making it one of the most dangerous places for migrants. Many who arrive in Yemen are attempting to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in search of employment as laborers or domestic workers, but they face significant threats to their safety along the way.

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