At least 139 individuals, including children, lost their lives when a vessel carrying over 300 migrants overturned near Djibouti in East Africa, as reported by the International Organization for Migration on Sunday.
Among those deceased, some were interred by Djibouti authorities, while others were laid to rest by fellow migrants. However, these latter casualties will not be officially counted until their identities are confirmed, explained Alexandre Coissac, the IOM’s chief of mission in Djibouti.
Coissac expressed dismay over the anonymous burials, stating, “They were buried without identities, in a mass grave, akin to wartime situations. Each of them had families, and their fates may remain unknown.”
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of October 8, with the overcrowded vessel sinking shortly after departure near the shore, according to Coissac. Despite efforts by local authorities, the overwhelming influx of bodies posed significant challenges.
Surviving migrants, many of whom had ingested seawater, were being transported to the IOM rescue center in Obock for medical attention and mental health support.
Visiting the shipwreck site on Saturday, Coissac noted the survivors’ shock and difficulty in communication. Some were already aware of their relatives’ demise, while others were provided with phones to inform their families of their safety.
This maritime disaster ranks among the deadliest on the perilous route from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, where numerous migrants seek employment in affluent Gulf nations.
The vessel was en route from Djibouti to Yemen when it capsized, with over 80 Ethiopian nationals among the survivors, according to the IOM’s statement. The UN migration agency in Geneva reported 305 individuals aboard, cautioning that the death toll might escalate.
Personal belongings, such as shoes possibly belonging to the migrants, were spotted on a beach. Rescue operations continued as concerns mounted for the missing individuals.
The IOM highlighted the migration flow from the Horn of Africa towards Gulf countries, despite escalating conflicts in Yemen across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, emphasizing the risks faced by migrants seeking better prospects.
In light of the tragedy, Coissac stressed the importance of safe and legal migration pathways, urging governments and donors to take preemptive action to prevent further loss of life.
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